Great Bonsai Shots – a Story of Time & Human Artistry

A story of time and human artistry. This shot (looks like a Japanese white pine) is from Kunio Kobayashi’s famous Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Edogawa, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. When I first saw it, I was sure that it’s from the tree below. After closer examination, I’m not so sure. All the photos in this post are from the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum fb timeline The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum was founded by the great bonsai master, Kunio Kobayashi. Here’s what Mr Kobayashi wrote about the museum… “The Museum was built with the ambition to spread Japanese culture, especially Bonsai in a new way … Continue reading Great Bonsai Shots – a Story of Time & Human Artistry

The Monk, Bonsai Before & After

Before and after by Salvador De Loy Reyes. He calls it The Monk, but gives no other information, including no species (looks a lot like a Shimpaku juniper) or details of any kind, though you might guess it was originally field grown and purposely twisted to look like an old Japanese yamadori (bonsai collected from the wild). Without seeing the other side of the tree, it’s almost impossible to follow the live veins in their delightfully chaotic movement up the trunk Yesterday’s post featured three trees that were ready to be reviewed and retouched by Salvador De Los Reyes. Today it’s a before … Continue reading The Monk, Bonsai Before & After

“JeJeJe” – One Very Impressive Olive & Two Others that Can Use Some Reviewing & Retouching

This impressive old Olive must have taken a long time to carve. Assuming that most of the deadwood was carved by human hands (with some power tools’ help of course). Either way, it’s masterpiece (though there’s still the sacrifice shoots on the lowest branch, which will look a lot better when their work is done and they are removed). Speaking of the lowest branch, here’s Salvador De Los Reyes’ caption with this tree… “Vamos a dar mas fuerza a esa rama de abajo,” and here’s my translation… “We are going to strengthen the lower branch.” The photos of the three Olives and the Spanish text in this … Continue reading “JeJeJe” – One Very Impressive Olive & Two Others that Can Use Some Reviewing & Retouching

Trident Maple Bonsai in a Well Chosen Pot

Sweet! I thought you might like to see this. It’s Carl Morrow’s Trident maple in a very well chosen and appropriately sized pot (Carl sent photos in an email, so no links) Last week we featured a Robert Steven critique of a Trident maple that belongs to Carl Morrow (Size Matters & Small Is Beautiful). It was a repost of a one we originally did in September, 2010. Carl took Robert’s advice and repotted the tree into a smaller pot, though not the same pot Robert used in his simulation (it’s hard to find simulated pots!). As it turns out, I think … Continue reading Trident Maple Bonsai in a Well Chosen Pot

Bonsai, Before & After – Evolution & Elevation of a Native Scots Pine

Jan Culek’s caption for this yamadori pine reads… “Evolution of native Czech Sylvestris pine between the years 2013-2017.” In English Pinus sylvertris is commonly called Scots pine. Jan makes no mention of the slab pot or the deadwood stand that supports it Here’s one more post featuring the bonsai of Jan Culek. It’s an unusual before and after of a yamadori Scots pine. The tree itself is distinctive enough and shows off Jan’s skills, but I think it’s the deadwood underneath the tree that that elevates the bonsai and causes the whole presentation to stand out (if you suffer from fear of puns, please accept … Continue reading Bonsai, Before & After – Evolution & Elevation of a Native Scots Pine

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If You Only Visit One Bonsai Event This Year…

THE ONE BONSAI SHOW NOT TO MISS! Time to register and make your plans for accommodations etc. Bill Valavanis has all the information you need right here Come visit us and our field grown Larches in the Vendors Section. We look forward to seeing you there! Bill Valavanis air layered these three Koto Hima Japanese maples from the same tree back in 1986 BONSAI WIRE SPECIAL KILO ROLLS 17.95 EACH ONLY 15.95 EACH FOR 3 OR MORE ROLLS ONLY 14.95 EACH FOR 10 OR MORE ROLLS 500 GRAM ROLLS 9.95 EACH ONLY 8.95 EACH FOR 3 OR MORE ROLLS ONLY 7.95 EACH FOR 10 OR MORE ROLLS … Continue reading If You Only Visit One Bonsai Event This Year…

Something for Bonsai Rock Planting Lovers & Fans

Great stone. Great planting. All but the lowest juniper appear to be growing in pockets of soil in the stone. This is referred to as a root-on-rock bonsai. It looks like the lowest one has its roots growing down into the pot (protected for now by moss). This would be root-over-rock style. The artist is Jan Culek Continuing our rock planting theme from yesterday… Most large complex stones for bonsai plantings are made by human hands, and the ones shown here are no exception. They’ll all by Jan Culek GREAT BONSAI TOOL SPECIAL ENDS SUNDAY NIGHT 40% OFF LIST PRICES ALL BONSAI AESTHETICS TOOLS INCLUDING … Continue reading Something for Bonsai Rock Planting Lovers & Fans

Celebrating a Half Century of Bonsai

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A Most Unusual & Provocative Bonsai Extravaganza

I don’t know how big this planting is, though I’m leaning toward pretty big. Impressive too with its sophisticated sense of depth (larger trees in front and smaller toward the back). Not to overlook the very large pot with its flowing lines and no doubt hefty price tag. This photo and the next three below are from Bill Valavanis’ blog Continuing with yesterday’s mixed media bonsai theme, this one is from Robert Steven’s 2014 1st International Bonsai Biennale. At the time we referred to it as the most unusual and provocative bonsai extravaganza ever TWO NEW TOOL SPECIALS Famous Roshi BONSAI Tools 30% … Continue reading A Most Unusual & Provocative Bonsai Extravaganza