Bonsai Evolution: Display

The two photos in this post were taken at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Japan. You can view the uncropped originals and other photos from the Museum at Bonsai Network Japan. Evolution.? Has bonsai evolved as it has moved from Japan (and China) to the rest of the world? If you look at experimentation and innovation, I’d say yes, there is plenty of positive movement beyond Japan (and in Japan as well). However, if you look at display, you might draw a different conclusion. Laziness and neglect, or spontaneous freedom? I spend a lot of time perusing bonsai on … Continue reading Bonsai Evolution: Display

David Benavente’s Excellent Bonsai World

An elegant bonsai enhanced by an equally elegant photograph. From David Benavente’s website. Why not smile? Señor Benavente offering you a chance to buy a sweet little Shimpaku. If one were inclined to jealously I don’t advocate jealousy; it’s a nowhere kind of emotion. But if you were the type to get jealous about someone’s bonsai scene, David Benavente’s would be a good place to start. I won’t say much more; the photos can speak for themselves. And no, I don’t think I’m jealous…. but still, such a well put together backyard nursery with such great bonsai and the climate … Continue reading David Benavente’s Excellent Bonsai World

New Book from Japan: The Beauty of Bonsai

This sumptuously photographed new book is aptly named. In addition to numerous stunning color photos, it features a preface by Masahiko Kimura and a section on Kimura that includes thirty seven new photos of the master at work, as well as of some of his most daring bonsai. That and much, much more. Hardcover, 96 pages with 205 color photos. No matter how much we think… … that we in the West are catching up with the Japanese when it comes to the art of bonsai, we still lag behind when it comes to the art of bonsai display and … Continue reading New Book from Japan: The Beauty of Bonsai

Of Scrolls & Tokonomas

This tokonoma with its spectacular scroll, is from Daiza Iwasaki’s house in Japan. A more cropped version of this photo appears in Morten Albek’s book, Majesty in Miniature, Shohin Bonsai. The original completely uncropped photo is below. Bonsai display I don’t think too many people pay very close attention to bonsai display. I’m sure there are some who do, but judging from countless photos on facebook and elsewhere, display isn’t a major concern for most people (especially outside of Japan). Relationships Display is a lot about the relationship of the elements. Though I’m far from an expert on the subject, … Continue reading Of Scrolls & Tokonomas

Make Your Own Scroll

New book. How to Make Handmade Wall Scrolls by Jonathan Maples. A good scroll can go a long way… … in enhancing any bonsai display. Though most of us have developed some bonsai appreciation and some skills (rudimentary, at least), few of us have bothered to learn much about bonsai display; both the various pieces (mostly stands, scrolls, companion plants & suiseki) and the overall aesthetics of a display. Your chance How to Make Handmade Wall Scrolls will afford you the opportunity to learn about an important display feature, and beyond that, how-to instructions for making your own. From the … Continue reading Make Your Own Scroll

An Elegant Stand & Touch of Fall Color

This is part of a display from Morten Albek’s Shohin site (Morten is the author of Majesty in Miniature: Shohin Bonsai, Published by Stone Lantern). The cotoneaster’s striking fall color and the elegant stand caught my attention.

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”

Bonsai from Nursery Stock – part two

This Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus compactus) is from Reiner Goebel’s bonsai gallery on his beautifully designed website. The tree started out as very ordinary looking nursery plant (see below) in 1998. BTW: if you want to set up your own back yard bonsai display and are looking for inspiration, take a look at Reiner’s back yard. Judging by the photos, it looks like one of the best home displays I’ve seen. And while you’re there, check out Reiner’s, and two guests,’ very sweet bonsai galleries. Though Reiner had already done some pruning and wiring by the time he took this … Continue reading Bonsai from Nursery Stock – part two