Bark

Support the National Bonsai Foundation!

Just got this postcard in the mail from my friends and compatriots at the NBF. The tree is a formal upright Japanese White pine. Decent formal uprights are rare and this splendid samurai is far beyond just decent. So far in fact, that it takes me back to the stunningly powerful and surprisingly elegant monster trees (giant sequoias) that I had the good fortune to be bowled over by last fall. If you ever get a chance, visit Sequoias National Forest and make it point to spend some time with General Sherman. Meanwhile, speaking of chances…. Your chance to do … Continue reading Support the National Bonsai Foundation!

Big Sale at Stone Lantern: 10% to 40% off

Our best sale is now We’ve been running some big sales on Stone Lantern. This one, our Site Wide Sale is our best. Everyone is rewarded on any purchase, and the more you purchase the bigger your reward. Double discounts Dozens of items are already discounted. This means you get double discounts on those items. Not bad eh?

Roy, Walter, Shinji, Isao & The Ichiban

Isao Omachi using the part of the Ichiban blade that is designed for cutting wire. Isao Omachi’s comments Here’s part of what Isao Omachi has to say about his Ichiban: “Compared to a normal pair of bonsai scissors, these are light and comfortable in the hand; you barely have to raise your elbow. You can multitask with ease, cutting swiftly through branches and wire… In addition to Ichiban’s unique design and efficiency, any level of bonsai student can have fun using a pair…” Roy Nagatoshi, Walter Pall, Shinji Suzuki and Isao Omachi So far Marco has sent us testimonials from … Continue reading Roy, Walter, Shinji, Isao & The Ichiban

Bonsai Calendar Now 50% off (Plus)

If you factor in our site wide sale… …the discount is more than 50%. How much more depends upon your order (the larger your order, the bigger the discount). Calendars here Last shipping day before the 25th… …is tomorrow (Monday the 21st). Orders must be received by 11am Eastern time Monday for Monday shipment. Our Japanese garden calendar is also 50% off

Winter Silhouettes at the National Arboretum

More specifically at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum (through Dec 20th) Here’s what our good friends and colleagues at the NB&PM have to say about their Winter Silhouettes Exhibit: Winter is the best time to enjoy the true mastery of the art of bonsai by observing the “bare bones” of the trees. With no leaves, the structure of a deciduous bonsai reveals how well the artist has created his miniaturized version of nature. The bonsai curator has selected trees from the museum’s permanent collection for a formal display of these living artworks. Other trees from the permanent collection will … Continue reading Winter Silhouettes at the National Arboretum

A Cornucopia of Bonsai Art & Technique

This drawing by Kihara Susuma is from an article entitled ‘Exploring a Collected Needle Juniper’ that appears in Bonsai Today issue 98. Back issues of Bonsai Today… …are a great place to study the art of bonsai. Each issue presents a wealth of bonsai art and technique by many of the world greatest masters and teachers. Issue 98 table of contents Refining a Satuki Azalea – Beginner’s Section: If You Care – Bonsai Gallery – Beginner’s Section: Trees in Nature – Review: Three Bonsai DVDs – The Pottery of Max Braverman – Styling a California Live Oak – Exploring a … Continue reading A Cornucopia of Bonsai Art & Technique

Ichiban #2: Research & Development

Before you make a decision on what might be one of your most important bonsai investments yet, you can do a little research by checking out Marco Invernizzi’s Ichiban site. In addition to being one of the most accomplished and influential Western bonsai artists, Marco is the designer of the Ichiban.

Shopping Outside the (Big) Box

Stock the stocking with bonsai wire. Trim you list and save Big discounts abound. Shops at home and save up to 40% and beyond (with double discounts on some items). Bonsai, Ikebana, Gardening and more Tools and books for bonsai, ikebana and gardening. Bonsai wire. Bonsai magazines.  Fertilizers, cutpaste and lime sulfur. Netsukes (Japanese figurines). Kenzans (flower pins) and more. Gift certificates too. Ikenobo (for Ikebana) shears fit very well Books on bonsai, Japanese gardening, Ikebana and a range of related subjects

Introducing the Ichiban by Marco & Masakuni

The Ichiban. Designed by Marco Invernizzi and built by Masakuni. As you may know, Marco is a gifted Western bonsai artist, and Masakuni is the benchmark bonsai tool company. Together they have created a  revolutionary new tool for the serious bonsai artist (and the rest of us who practice the art of bonsai). The Ichiban comes in a handsome wood gift box (see below). If you want one (no discounts though) In agreement with Marco, Stone Lantern is acting as the Ichiban’s U.S. (and beyond) distributor. The one caveat is that this tool cannot be discounted. Your price is $350.00 … Continue reading Introducing the Ichiban by Marco & Masakuni

Calendars: Avoid Confusion in 2010

Here’s our 2010 bonsai calendar. Below is our Japanese garden calendar. You can find them at Stone Lantern. Enjoy world class bonsai while you keep track of the date Some of your have been getting your calendars from us for at least ten years, maybe longer. Might as well keep the tradition going; or start a new one. With our bonsai calendar, you’ll stay inspired and you won’t suffer the horrible confusion of not knowing what year it is, let alone what month and day. Ditto world class Japanese gardens