This planting from Toshio Kawamoto’s Saikei classic (see previous post) 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 man difference is that this one shows a deep ravine. The rocks that define it represent tall vertical cliffs.
How to create a deep ravine saikei
The purpose of this section in the original book 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 almost as if the author is inviting you to duplicate his work.
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 a very finite 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.
Hi Wayne,
my copy of this book is the 4th printing (1973) and it cost me $A22 [your original edition at $US10 is a bargain :-)].
I think the cover photo refers to a setting entitled “Mountain Rapids” that Kawamoto describes on pages 37-38 of the book (ie following the “Ravine” setting you refer to your post. There are a few more setings using cryptomeria in the book – “Bubbling Stream” and “Lakeside with Lingering Snow” for example (what poetic names).
Another book you may come across in a similar vein is “Bonkei: Tray Landscapes” by Jozan Hirota, Kodansha, 1970, LCC 79-117384 SBN 87011-124-8 original price was Yen 1,800 / $US 6.95 (again cost me $A22 – I can see I need to contact your son-in-law for a deal or two ;-)
I enjoy these little “twigs” you post from the bonsai history tree. Keep it going.
regards from sunny ‘Down Under’ Australia
Frank Kelly
Hi Frank,
Thanks for the tip. I see it’s available on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0688011780/ref=tmm_hrd_used_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=used.
Stay tuned. Maybe you’ll see something from it on these very pages.
Regards from the wild and wonderful California Central Coast (heading back to Vermont all too soon).
-w
This is one of my favorite Saikei and the book got me hooked on Saikei in 1989. I am glad you are publishing posts drawing attention to this superb work. Well done.
Regards David
you can submit here in the comments with a link, or you can email me wayne@stonelantern.com
One per person.
Thanks for your comments David and for the link. I’ll take another look when I get back from vacation.