How Much Would You Pay for a Bonsai?

Would you pay 6,000 dollars (5,500 euros) for this bonsai? How does someone who wants to sell a bonsai arrive at a price and how does someone who wants to buy that bonsai decide if that price is fair? There really are no firm guidelines on valuing bonsai, at least that I know of. The best I can say is the value of a bonsai depends on what at least one person is willing to pay. Unless of course, you’re in the business of buying and selling bonsai. Then there are at least two values involved. The three trees shown … Continue reading How Much Would You Pay for a Bonsai?

Bonsai Forests – Turntable, Sieve & Hand Tool Sale

We don’t know the source for this photo (Just heard this from Felix Laughlin…. “Wayne, the top photo of the forest of Chinese elms is from the North American Collection at the NB&PM, and was donated by Susanne Barrymore; it’s been in training since 1988”),but we do know that the trees are Chinese elms (Ulmus parviflora). Most forest plantings have a primary focal point, but in this case there are several trees competing for your eye. But no matter, the overall effect is one of unity, depth and naturalness; reminiscent of Live oaks in the California Coast Range. Forest plantings … Continue reading Bonsai Forests – Turntable, Sieve & Hand Tool Sale

Fantastic Trees, Fabulous Pots

Malpigia glabra (Barbados cherry) by Hsieh, Cheng-Hua. More Taiwanese Bonsai Here are three more bonsai from the 2008 Taiwan Bonsai Creators Exhibition booklet which appears on Bonsai Shari Si-Diao, Cheng, Cheng-Kung’s website. It’s the pots, as well the trees, that really grabbed me. Ficus microcarpa by Huang,Ching-Chi. Variety unlisted. By Tung, Wen Chi.

Abstract Bonsai Beauty & Concave Cutters

NOTE 3/24/11: I WAS JUST INFORMED THAT THIS IS A SIMULATION OF A MUCH ROUGHER TREE. MY MISTAKE! EVERYTHING THAT FOLLOWS IS WHAT I WROTE BEFORE THE ERROR WAS CALLED TO MY ATTENTION). This is the kind of bonsai that can stir up opinions. I found it on facebook (of course), under My Bonsai by David. Carvalho. If you look closely, you might notice the little concave piece that appears to be missing from the pot. What’s your cup of tea? If you are a big fan of, let’s say Dan Robinson and his remarkably natural looking bonsai (Gnarly Branches, … Continue reading Abstract Bonsai Beauty & Concave Cutters