Eccentric Bonsai #7: Nick’s Poison Ivy

poisonivy Poison Ivy bonsai by Nick Lenz, who, in addition to be one of our most talented bonsai artists, is also a master of the unusual. This photo appears in Nick’s book, Bonsai from the Wild (Stone Lantern Publishing).

Nicknamed OSAMA
Nick Lenz calls his charming looking, but otherwise nasty little bonsai, OSAMA (no explanation needed).

Halloween bonsai
Though you may not take poison ivy bonsai seriously (or take it at all, for that matter), Nick does. Here’s a few of his words (lifted from his book): While poison ivy may be considered a Halloween bonsai, the species has great charm and interest, especially when fruiting. Unfortunately, my most cherished specimen was stolen by a very foolish teenager. Never pass up an outstanding trunk of this species and always pack latex gloves in your collecting kit.

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Eccentric Bonsai #6: A Unique Masterpiece

This Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) won the environment minister’s prize at the 20th Green Festa Kokubunji bonsai fair in Takamatsu’s Kokubunji town, Japan. It is 46 centimeters (18.1″) high and about 80 years old. It is owned by Michiyo Yano from Onohara in the city of Kanonji, Kagawa Prefecture and appears on the Bonsai World website.

Eccentric?
So what’s eccentric about a small masterpiece that won a major Japanese prize? Two things catch the eye.

A large wound
First is the large wound on the lower left side of the trunk. Often large wounds are unsightly and spoil the beauty of a bonsai. Also, this one looks like it was just left to heal naturally rather than carved as is so often the case. Fortunately, the result is natural and uncontrived, rather than the overly refined look that sometimes comes with carving, and adds character to an already powerful tree.

Trunk lines
Second are the lines of the trunk. After the first bend the trunk line is straight (horizontal). This is followed by a 90 degree angle and then the trunk is straight (vertical) again. Right angles together with straight lines are usually considered unsightly and might cause you to dismiss most trees as unworthy bonsai material. But one look at this tree reveals that in some cases, straight lines and 90 degree angles work to perfection.

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Shopping Outside the (Big) Box

T-100B 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.

TIK-17102 Ikenobo (for Ikebana) shears fit very well

B1TROP-COVER Books on bonsai, Japanese gardening, Ikebana and a range of related subjects

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In Search of the Perfect Nebari #7: Root Grafting

Though this is not the right the time of year for root grafting for most of us, here’s a simple technique to file away for when early spring rolls around. This illustration is from Bonsai Today 45.

Previous posts on nebari are: An Ingenious Technique parts one and two and In Search of the Perfect Nebari, parts two, three, four and five, and for some inexplicable reasons two part sixes (6-1 and 6-2). All this means that this is actually our 9th post on the topic.

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Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design: WebBook by Andy Rutledge

This distinctive Japanese red pine appears in Andy Rutledge’s web book ‘Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design.’ The original image (left) came from a back issue of Bonsai Today magazine. The black lines on the right hand image were drawn by Andy to illustrate how “the smooth but erratic curves of the trunk are carried over into the branching.”

Take a look – it’s worth it
Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design provides a wealth of material for anyone who wants to take their bonsai to the next level. Andy Rutledge approaches bonsai with respect for the depth and breath of the art, and it shows in this well thought out, well organized web book that just might be worth a few minutes (perhaps much more) of your time.

Continue reading Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design: WebBook by Andy Rutledge

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Introducing the Ichiban by Marco & Masakuni

Ichiban&stone 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 plus shipping, no matter what discounts Stone Lantern is currently running.

Continue reading Introducing the Ichiban by Marco & Masakuni

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The Magician Turns Three into Seven

43-18-001

This rafia wrapped Japanese white pine is the result of an unconventional (amazing might also apply) transformation by Masahiko Kimura. The original article appears in Bonsai Today issue 43. This photo also appears in our Pine book. Approx. height 37″ (94cm).

Up to his old tricks
The range and dept of Masahiko Kimura’s mastery knows almost no bounds; his highly imaginative and unconventional artistry have changed the way the world bonsai community views and practices bonsai (stay posted for more on the effects of Kimura’s work). The tree featured in this post is yet another example of Kimura’s genius.

You can do it!
If you pay close attention to the original (BT 43), you’ll see that no part of this technique is overly difficult. To be sure, great patience and attention to detail is required, but given the right tools, the right tree and plenty of time, anyone with a steady hand has a good chance of success.

Continue reading The Magician Turns Three into Seven

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Three New Books (Just in Time)

3 new books Some of you still read books. We know because we sell them. If you fall into this illustrious (if somewhat aging) group, good times await you. Take a look.

Pocket Guide to Bamboos by Ted Jordan Meredith
Really nothing about bonsai here, but our guess is some bonsai enthusiast somewhere also appreciates bamboo. And there’s nothing that says you can’t grow bamboo bonsai.

The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation by Yoshimura and Covello
A classic now back in print after a very long hiatus. Yugi Yoshimura was a great Japanese American bonsai pioneer. Though the thrust of the book is about Suiseki (viewing stones) there’s plenty about bonsai too.

Japanese Stone Gardens by Stephen Mansfield
Think holiday gift. A very handsome hardcover book with plenty of stuff you won’t find in other Japanese garden books.

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Kakiemon’s Famous Old Bonsai Pot

FamousPot

This exquisitely designed and rendered porcelain bonsai pot is by one of the Kakiemon line of potters. The article in Bonsai Today 44 doesn’t say which Kakiemon made it, but given the fame of the pot and the way it’s discussed in the article, you might assume it’s by the first Sakaida Kakiemon (17th century). It’s impossible to ascertain the size of the pot, as the dimensions given in the original article are almost certainly incorrect (the height is listed at 2.8″ – 7.2cm).

Starting at the top
I’ve spent the last two hours looking for good information and graphics for a post on designing apices (plural for apex, ie the top) for bonsai. Surprisingly (or not), good information on the topic is fairly rare, so you (especially you who requested apex information) will have to wait a day or two. Meanwhile, here’s a little treat for tired eyes.

And finishing at the bottom

The Kakiemon mark (probably by the first Sakaida Kakiemon)

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The Manzanita Mystery

Manz6

This Manzanita is growing on a granite ledge on a rise just before you drop down into Yosemite valley. The others shown below are from the same general area. All the photos were taken by Amy Palmer, during a Sierra hiking and tree identification trip that Amy and I just returned from.

Pervasive, beautiful, and seemingly perfect for bonsai
Whenever I go into the California Coast range or the Sierras, I’m struck by the Manzanitas. Not only are they eye catching in ways few plants are (the photos speak for themselves) but many appear to be near perfect for bonsai with squat trunks, small leaves and more than their fair share of character. And, they are practically everywhere. To be sure some are too big (there are over fifty species of Manzanita) but many, if not most, varieties look ready made bonsai.

Where are all the Manzanita bonsai?
My guess is that manzanitas just don’t take to bonsai culture. But, it’s just a guess. Or maybe there are some great manzanita bonsai that have been hiding from me. Perhaps one of you lucky enough to live in mazanita country can clue me in.

Manz4

The fairly short grasses give you some idea just how squat and powerful this trunk is. No need to point out the dramatic interplay of deadwood and the trademark slick red bark.

Continue reading The Manzanita Mystery

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