Robert Steven Critiques a Ficus

Robert’s digital simulation of a Ficus nerifolia that was submitted by Tom Kreugl. Tom’s original. The small stick marks the front Tom has chosen. Robert’s critique In spite of the tree itself, this is a photo that I do not like (sorry!). There’s a problem with appreciation of the art of bonsai because the photo cuts off part of the pot.

One More Day to Get What You Want & Be Frugal at the Same Time

Over 500 items discounted Some stuff is very dramatically discounted: The Magician, Shohin Bonsai, Bonsai from the Wild, Saikei and Art are all marked down to $9.95 each. Plus double discounts But not for long Tomorrow (Sept 30th) is the last day

Purple Rain

No need for words (except attribution). It’s from a Bonsaimania facebook post: Bonsái del álbum de Ichihara.

The Second Time Is a Charm

Robert Steven’s second simulation of an Atlas cedar that we presented a while back. Mike’s lucky day The photo above is Robert’s second simulation of an Atlas ceder that was submitted for critique by Mike Andrews. My opinion (for what it’s worth) I think Robert’s second simulation is an improvement on the first one he did. Generally Robert’s critiques have been spot on, but I thought his original of this tree left something to be desired. Apparently Robert was reading my mind; he sent his follow up simulation yesterday. Just three more days Our current big big sale (we have … Continue reading The Second Time Is a Charm

Only Four More Days

Books, Tools, Fertilizer, Bonsai Today, Wire, Kenzans, Netuske & more. Sale ends the last day of September This is Stone Lantern’s biggest and most comprehensive sale. Almost every single item offered is discounted and some of the discounts are outrageous (Bonsai from the Wild and some other books marked down from $29.95 to $9.95). When you factor in the double discounts for volume, many of the prices are below wholesale. Not a bad deal at all. Next? Our next sale will be 30% off all tools plus 10% off orders of $100 or more. As always, other individual items will … Continue reading Only Four More Days

Trunk Art

This rich and powerful, extraordinarily detailed old trunk sits at the base of a Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) bonsai (immediately below). It (and the others in this post) is from the recent Redwood Empire Bonsai Society’s 27th annual show. The photos are all borrowed from Bonsai Tonight. The complete tree. Superior bonsai photography My hat is off and my balding head is nodding in appreciation of Jonas Dupuich’s consistently superior photographs at Bonsai Tonight. If you can’t see a top quality bonsai in person, the next best thing is a top quality photo.

Robert Steven Critiques a Shimpaku

Robert’s simulation. My apologies for the fuzzy. The original (below) was submitted by Leigh Taafe. The original. Robert’s critique From the trunk’s feature (the jin & shari), we can tell that this tree (in nature) has gone through a transformation process, and the new crown is formed from what was originally a branch.

9th International Crespi Cup

This gnarly, natural looking old tree is from the 9th International Crespi Cup which took place last weekend. It looks like some kind of spruce (Ezo?), but that’s just a guess. The photo is by Nicola Crivelli. I took the liberty to crop it a bit. The Cup The Crespi Cup is a world famous bonsai, suiseki (and more) exhibition that is held every two years by Crespi Bonsai in Milan. Though I’ve never been, I’ve heard that the turnouts are huge, almost beyond comprehension for those of us in the States who are used to shows that attract a … Continue reading 9th International Crespi Cup

Just So: Nature’s Brilliant Bonsai Inspirations

This monster Sierra juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) was shot by Craig Thompson somewhere in the Sierra Nevadas. The little one (is it a pine?) in front isn’t half bad either. Biggest Sale… … on Bonsai, Japanese garden & ikebana tools, books, and more at Stone Lantern. Virtually every item is discounted with double discounts for orders over $50..

The First Netsuranari

After restyling by Isaburo Nishiyama. A bamboo stick is used to support guy wires on this famous old sinuous root (netsuranari) Japanese white pine. See below for the before shot and for the original photo taken in 1937. All are from Bonsai Today issue 44. The original lives According to an article that appears in Bonsai Today issue 44, the tree pictured here is the first netsuranari (sinuous root style) bonsai. It came to light in 1937 at a famous Japanese auction where it was distinguished from the older clump style bonsai. Sinuous root style have multiple trunks growing from … Continue reading The First Netsuranari