This planting from Toshio Kawamoto's Saikei classic is quite similar to the planting on the cover (below): same trees (cryptomeria), same (or nearly the same) pot and somewhat similar rocky ravine separating two tree and moss covered areas. The main difference is that this one shows a deep ravine. The rocks that define it represent tall vertical cliffs.
It has been about a year since we feature Toshio Kawamoto’s plantings from his long out-of-print classic Saikei, Living Landscapes in Miniature. Given just how popular these posts have been, I think it’s time for another go.
A long time ago (January, 2010 to be exact) we featured this post as part of a series on a remarkable book by Toshio Kawamoto, Saikei, Living Landscapes in Miniature. It’s long out of print, but you just might be able to find it online. Or you could get lucky like I did and find it at your son-in-law’s bookstore (Green Apple, San Francisco).
How to create a deep ravine saikei
The purpose of this section in Saikei, Living Landscapes in Miniature is to show how to create a deep ravine saikei, just like the one in the photo. In fact, if you look at the drawings, it’s as if that the author is inviting you to duplicate his work (or least use them as a starting point).
Front schemata. The pot is 27" x 19" (69cm x 48cm) unglazed oval by Tokoname. There are 29 cryptomeria that range from 4" to 14" (10cm to 36cm) tall and 9 river rocks. The soil is regular bonsai soil (he doesn't say which regular bonsai soil, but the Japanese almost always use akadama or an akadama mix for conifers). The other materials are moss, river sand and white sand.
Bird's eye view. Notice how the opening in front is off center and slants and curves as it goes back. If it were directly centered and straight it would appear contrived. Notice also how the ravine narrows and curves around and disappears from sight and then opens up into a pool. Viewed from the front, this creates a sense of mystery and the appearance that it just goes on and on, off into a vast landscape, rather than being restricted to the small, finite area of the pot.
The cover. At a glance, it's almost the same as the planting feature in this post, though on closer inspection you can see marked differences.
25% off Kilo rolls Bonsai Wire
plus FREE Shipping adds up to a great deal (see below)
Only 14.63 with your 25% discount
Visit Stone Lantern and enjoy our vast selection of everything bonsai
FREE Shipping on U.S. orders 49.00 or more