A True Gem: Bonsai, Kusamono, Suiseki

A true gem. There is no other book in English that is anything like Bonsai, Kusamono, Suiseki, by Willi Benz. In his forword to Bonsai, Kusamono, Suiseki, Mr. I Chi Su* says: “My respected friend Mr. Benz has dedicated himself entirely to the art of Bonsai and Suiseki for years… With his experience, knowledge and artistic talent in both Bonsai and Suiseki, applied with the Western analytical method to explain Eastern philosophy and culture, he has created a refreshing way of design… These concepts have elevated the art of Suiseki to even a higher level”

Signed Copies: The Chinese Art of Bonsai & Potted Landscapes

Limited Edition! Only seven signed copies available We just received seven copies of this revered classic that are signed by all three authors. The publisher has assured us that only a handful have been signed and that we have most of them. The price is $85.00 (unsigned copies are $65.00). If you want one, don’t hesitate. Hardcover. 8 5/8? x 11 3/8? 142 pages, text in English and Chinese $85 signed More information and photos

1st U.S. National Exhibition Album Has Arrived

Double Discount through Sunday on this remarkable new book Order now and save $26.50. In addition to our pre-order sale for $55.00 (ends midnight Sunday), we are running a 30% discount on books, which puts your price at $38.50 if you order now. For more new bonsai books, keep reading.

Mission of Transformation by Robert Steven

Robert Steven wiring a very large raft style Pemphis acidula (no common name?). One of many remarkably daring and powerful bonsai that appear in his first book, Vision of My Soul. Robert Steven is one of the most inspiring bonsai artists and bonsai technicians in the world. His artistic vision and his trees exist on the cutting edge of contemporary bonsai. Many of Robert’s remarkable trees are pictured in his ground breaking book, Vision of My Soul, which was published in 2005. But neither time nor Robert have been standing still, and this summer, you’ll be able to enjoy a … Continue reading Mission of Transformation by Robert Steven

Classic Penjing/Bonsai Book Back in Print

The Chinese Art of Bonsai & Potted Landscapes Y. C. Shen, Beulah Kwok Sung, C. B. Sung Now, this rare and wonderful book is back in print. John Naka was a big fan and said that “this unique book should be on the reading list of all bonsai connoisseurs.” Dr. Wu Yee Sun, famous philanthropist and avid bonsai and penjing supporter said that it “is a masterpiece of great importance in the art of bonsai and will… without a doubt… be valued for generations to come.”

Mystery Tree Contest Winners?

Here’s a photo of Boon Manakitivipart with the (no longer a mystery) Mystery Tree from his website Bonsai Boon. If you look at the original post (5/5/09) the contest was: the first person who posts the name of the person who took the photo and where it is on the internet, wins a $25.00 gift certificate to Stone Lantern’s web store. What I didn’t anticipate was that someone would tell me where it was on the internet and someone else would tell me who took the photo.

Contest: Identify this Wild Mystery Tree & Win

Not too long ago I came across this image of this amazingly wild, rugged, wonderful old tree somewhere on the internet. Unfortunately, I neglected to label it the instant I grabbed it (always a mistake). Now, I don’t remember where I found it and I’d like to know so I can attribute it to the person who took the trouble to find it, photograph it, and post it. So here’s the contest. The first person who posts (in comments, see link above) the name of the person who took the photo and where it is on the internet, wins a … Continue reading Contest: Identify this Wild Mystery Tree & Win

Commemorative Album – part two

Prize winning Trident maple (Acer Buergeratum) by Martin Schmalenberg. Commemorative Album, 1st U.S. Nationaly Bonsai Exhibition, 2008 I set out to pick a few of my favorites to whet your appetite. The problem is, about half of the hundred and fifty some trees (counting multiple tree shohin displays as one tree) are my favorites and the other half are gaining.

1st U.S. Bonsai Exhibition Album is on its Way!

Commemorative Album, 1st U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, 2008 I just received my advance copy of this much awaited book, and I’m almost speechless. Well, for me almost speechless might be a stretch, but I am very excited. And very, very impressed. Everything about this new book is spot on, including the undeniable proof it provides that American bonsai can take its place on the world bonsai stage. My hat is way off (balding head glowing with excitement) to Bill Valavanis and everyone else involved. Our shipment of Albums is due in early June. Meanwhile, you can visit our website to … Continue reading 1st U.S. Bonsai Exhibition Album is on its Way!

Post-Dated Wins Gold!

This cropped cover shot of Michael Hagedorn’s Post Dated provides a powerful hint why the Publishers Association of the West choose it for a Gold Award in design. If you been following this blog for a while, you know that we featured a review of Michael Hagedorn’s ground breaking book and a two part interview with Michael in February. Since then, my enthusiasm for Michael’s fascinating bonsai and life adventures in Japan, hasn’t wavered a bit. It’s still a great book and I still recommend it with the full confidence that you will enjoy it as much as I have.