CORRECTION – THIS TREE WAS NOT CARVED BY HUMAN HANDS

Another intricately carved yew. There’s something about yews that just beg to be carved, even though with such hard wood it’s labor intensive. Unless you have nothing but time, power tools are a must. The artist is Andres Alvarez Iglesias. CORRECTION – THIS TREE WAS NOT CARVED BY HUMAN HANDS see our post from October 6th for the full story Here’s Fred Chenal’s Caption that he posted with this tree… “SURPRISE GUEST….. Andres Alvarez Iglesias will be joining us for a special conference on Sunday, October 15th @11:00 am…. “EVOLUTION OF TAXUS BONSAI” …Hasta pronto, a trés bientôt and see you soon!!” As it turns out, October … Continue reading CORRECTION – THIS TREE WAS NOT CARVED BY HUMAN HANDS

Breaking the Bonsai Mold – Japanese Red Pines

For every highly stylized Japanese bonsai, there’s one like this that breaks the mold. It’s a Japanese red pine from Japan’s 80th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition (2006). Sticking with bonsai from famous Japanese exhibitions, it’s back to Kokufu. Though this time it’s Japanese red pines (Pinus densiflora), instead of the more common Japanese black and white pines. And once again, we found the photos on Michael Bonsai. NEW BONSAI TOOL SPECIAL DEEPLY DISCOUNTED koyo JAPANESE TOOLS 25% TO 40% BELOW LIST PRICES CHOSE FROM OVER 50 DIFFERENT HIGH QUALITY KOYO TOOLS Closer up for a better look at the bark … Continue reading Breaking the Bonsai Mold – Japanese Red Pines

Bonsai Impressions – Texture, Movement & Color

It’s hard not to notice what just how powerful this tree is. Even with the apex slightly nipped and most of the pot missing. It’s a Japanese white pine from the 34th Taikan-ten Bonsai Exhibition. Our last few posts have featured bonsai from Kokufu-ten. Today it’s photos from Taikan-ten via Michael Bonsai on facebook. Taikan-ten takes place once a year in Kyoto and is considered by most people to be the second most important bonsai exhibition in Japan if not in the world (Kokufu is the king of bonsai exhibitions). You might notice that none of the photos shown here are conventional front shots that simply show the … Continue reading Bonsai Impressions – Texture, Movement & Color

American Bonsai at Kokufu?

NOTE: I DON’T KNOW WHY THE TOP HALF OF THIS POST APPEARS IN THESE IRRITATING CAPS. IT DOESN’T SHOW THAT WAY ON MY ORIGINAL… This Japanese hemlock belongs to Doug Paul, an American who lives in Pennsylvania and who happens to be the owner of the famous Kennett Collection. The following is quoted from a post by Bill Valavanis… this “Japanese hemlock, Tsuga diversifolia, bonsai was recently accepted to display in this year’s Kokufu Bonsai ten Exhibition. The attached photo shows how it is displayed at Kokufu Bonsai Exhibiton in the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park.” I found Bill’s quote … Continue reading American Bonsai at Kokufu?

I’m Still Surprised by the Quality & Price of Our Roshi Bonsai Tools – Especially When I Use Them

Our selection of over 50 high quality and affordable Roshi Bonsai Tools come in both stainless and high carbon steel NEW Roshi Bonsai Tool Special 25% TO 40% Off List Prices CHOSE FROM 60 DIFFERENT TOOLS AND TOOL KITS ROSHI SETS THE STANDARD FOR AFFORDABLE, QUALITY BONSAI TOOLS When I fist saw Roshi tools I was struck by their beauty. Then, when I held them in my hand, it was easy to feel the quality and I was surprised by how affordable they are. Now, a few years later, I’m still surprised by the quality and price of each and every one. Especially when … Continue reading I’m Still Surprised by the Quality & Price of Our Roshi Bonsai Tools – Especially When I Use Them

Long Live the Bonsai King

Full cascade Japanese black pine (Pinus thumbergii). Japanese for Black pine is Kuromatsu (kuro is black and matsu is pine). Yesterday we resurrected trees from the famous Kokufu Exhibition and the response has been very positive, so why not keep digging in the same vein? Japanese black pines are sometimes referred to a the king of bonsai. This may be in part due to their natural strength; they tend to have powerful trunks and thick lush foliage. Rugged bark doesn’t hurt either. King or not, the best of the black pines are undeniably among the most impressive bonsai in the world. All the … Continue reading Long Live the Bonsai King

Bonsai that Don’t Bust Your Bank Account & an Important Natural Phenomenon You Might Not Be Aware of

We’ve featured this tree before, but because I don’t think you’ll see many bonsai quite like it, it’s worth another look. Two photos just below show the natural phenomenon behind this type carving. The tree is a yew. The artist is Harry Harrington. All the photos in this post are courtesy of Harry Harrington, an artist who specializes in what you might call found bonsai (bonsai from the wild or from hedgerows and gardens or wherever else the original stock might come from that doesn’t bust your bank account). Harry is also the author of The Foundations of Bonsai, a book that explores the … Continue reading Bonsai that Don’t Bust Your Bank Account & an Important Natural Phenomenon You Might Not Be Aware of

Bonsai Times 2,500 and Counting…

I found this impressive root-on-rock juniper in one of our favorite places. No mention of variety or artist, so we won’t mention our source either (see below). Btw, Image Search came up empty If my math is correct, this should be our 2,500th post, give or take. Putting that rather astounding fact aside, today marks the day that we (that’s me) will no longer attribute our source in cases where our source doesn’t bother to attribute theirs or make any effort to identify the variety or provide any other pertinent information. There’s no good reason to credit someone for simply finding a bonsai and posting … Continue reading Bonsai Times 2,500 and Counting…

Deadwood Wars

Deadwood anyone? No matter your opinion about excessive deadwood, you must admit this is a very powerful bonsai. Beyond sheer power and no matter your opinion, it’s hard to deny that the artist posses first rate skill when it comes to carving and styling bonsai. This and the other photos shown here were posted by Naldo Nolder (another Brazilian – see our 9/22 and 9/23 posts). He doesn’t say who the artists are. You’ll have to excuse me for the title; Deadwood Wars is little extreme. It’s just I’ve heard so many complaints over the last few years about excessive deadwood. I’m inclined to … Continue reading Deadwood Wars

When to Let a Tree Run Off Leash – by Michael Hagedorn

This luminous Japanese maple in full fall color is from Michael Hagedorn’s Crataegus Bonsai Portfolio. I don’t know for sure when, or for how long Michael lets this one off the leash, but after reading the article below, I have some idea. Once again we’re paying homage to the wisdom of Michael Hagedorn, our favorite source for the nitty-gritty of growing bonsai. This time it’s about managing and especially not managing the growth of our trees. The text and Winter Hazel photo below are from Michael’s Crataegus Bonsai blog In Michael’s own words… “We talk endlessly about how to manage the growth … Continue reading When to Let a Tree Run Off Leash – by Michael Hagedorn