Goshin by John Yoshio Naka. This famous bonsai resides at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington DC. Photos will never do it justice. It is huge (about 1 meter tall – just over 3 feet) and is so dramatic in person that it almost seems to vibrate with power. This photo, by Peter Bloomer is originally from Timeless Trees by Peter and Mary Bloomer. It also appears on the cover of Bonsai Today issue 93, an issue that features a tribute to the life and works of John Naka.
Three times a tradition?
This is third time for this post. The first time was March 2010, the second was September 2011. It’s Independence Day today, so the timing seems right, though it’s always a good time to celebrate our National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and John Naka’s legacy, and perhaps it’s an especially good time to remember that “There are no borders in bonsai.”
No borders in bonsai
Helen Searle recently (way back in 2010) sent us some photos that she took at the National Arboretum. I picked a few that I thought you might enjoy, including the plaque below by John Naka. The only photo in this post not by Helen is Goshin (above).
I love the ‘dove of peace’ quote. Did John Naka write it himself or was it written for him?
Wayne,
My wife and I were just up at the National Arboretum around Mother’s day this year (2014). If you like, I can send you some of the photos I took including some of the John Naka exhibit and some of Goshin. Just let me know if you would like to have them.
Dave.
Hi Ann,
I believe that quote is by John.
Hi Dave,
By all means send the photos. I’d love to see them.