ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Bonsai Inspiration! These Inspire Me, Anyone Else?

For the record all of the following trees live outside and were brought indoors for the pupose of photographing them, Then returned to their outdoor homes.

A Larch in Autum colors By Nck Lenz:
[img]https://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5764/lenzlarch2bd5.jpg[/img]

19" High Cascade Juniper Penjing [Landscape]
Artist unknown:
[img]https://img75.imageshack.us/img75/4269/junipercascademx2.jpg[/img]

Fir [Possibly?] Literati [Bunjin style]
Artist unknown:
[img]https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/5573/literatizr2.jpg[/img]

Japanese Beech Forest Planting During Dormancy in a Formal Display setting [Fagus Crenata]
Artist unknown:
[img]https://img284.imageshack.us/img284/9337/2japanesebeechfaguscrenata400h300w1vn1.jpg[/img]

MountainMaple Spring Colors
Artist unknown:
[img]https://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3329/mountainmapleyq8.jpg[/img]

Chinese Elm Penjing [Landscape] This planting is four feet wide and three feet tall by the way.

Artist Qingquan Zhao:
[img]https://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5717/chineseelm2qingquanzhaoce9.jpg[/img]

And finally 'Penlope' by Nick Lenz. Truly a man on the leading artistic edge of bonsai.
[img]https://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9375/penelopelargeys0.jpg[/img]

Just an idea of what is possible, I hope you enjoyed these. 8)
Any thoughts, Comments, or favorites?
Last edited by ynot on Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:12 am, edited 1 time in total.

JoeLewko
Green Thumb
Posts: 348
Joined: Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:29 pm

personally I enjoy the cascadiung juniper. its something I might give some though to.

Sharp
Senior Member
Posts: 139
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:42 pm

I absolutely love this one:

[img]https://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8658/chineseelm2qingquanzhaory6.jpg[/img]


Forest bonsai are my favorites. Eventually id like to do some.

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Sharp,

You should try a google image search for the artist, Qingquan Zhao.
I think you find may his work interesting.

Actually though, This is neither a forest or a bonsai though to be technical about it.

'Bonsai' is two Japanese words 'bon' and 'sai' [Pronounced 'Bone- sigh' btw] which literally mean tree and tray, A Bonsai is a tree in a container/tray/pot.

Qingquan Zhao does 'Penjing', This is a 'Tray Landscape' [Some are also solo trees. :? ] Did you notice how big it is?

Feed your mind a bit about Bonsai and Penjing at the incredibly handy wikipedia, :idea: 8)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penjing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai

Enoy!
ynot

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Speaking of forests though....

Arguably THE most famous American Bonsai is a forest.

It is called 'Goshin' and was designed by John Naka [The author of the bonsai bibles 'Bonsai Techniques' Vol. I & II]

These trees were first worked by Naka-San in 1953. This short history of Goshin is easily worth 3 minutes of your time and completely painless. 8)

https://www.bonsai-nbf.org/nbf/goshinhistory.html

In 1969, Six years after it was first assembled:

[img]https://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9556/69goshinow0.jpg[/img]

Here it is again in the early 1990s:
[img]https://img235.imageshack.us/img235/6186/90sgoshinjf3.jpg[/img]

Just a great shot! Date unknown but after the previous pic:
[img]https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6859/0goshinan2.jpg[/img]

The man himself, John and Goshin:
[img]https://img56.imageshack.us/img56/5180/0nakasangoshinax9.jpg[/img]

Naka had numerous sayings attributed to him re: bonsai that are insightfull, funny, and true. Amongst these are:

[RE: Pruning/Styling] 'If you have a problem, Cut it off. If you still have a problem, You have a problem.'

'Even monkeys fall out of trees.'

'Don't make your tree look like a Bonsai, make your Bonsai look like a tree.'

His most famous line is this:

'Dead trees are the tuition you pay for learning bonsai.' {That is truth!}

John Yoshio Naka died May 19, 2004
...His trees live on.

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Another batch of inspiring trees.

First the artistry of Masahiko Kimura, Prepare yourself for his stunning and intricate deadwood work.

These are large pieces and not for the faint of heart.

There is much to be learned here, Scrolling quickly by is discouraged.

Please, Take the time to truly absorb these trees.

I will ease you into it though with a forest planting of his first:

[img]https://img227.imageshack.us/img227/540/kimuraforestplantingfc9.jpg[/img]

Now a large mountain w/ trees naturally:
[img]https://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4183/kimura5vf8.jpg[/img]

Keep in mind that all the white wood you see is dead, The brown is the only living wood and supplies the needs of all the living parts of the tree.
Here we go, Into the world of Kimura:

[img]https://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3290/kimura6hu9.jpg[/img]

[img]https://www.hobbybonsai.it/tecnformmant/images/JuniperuschMK.gif[/img]

Nineteen more trees by Kimura can be seen [url=https://www.j-bonsai.com/masterpieces.html]here.[/url]

At the other end of the scale are trees termed 'Shohin'
[Though they get far smaller actually, Image search on google for 'Shohin Bonsai', 'Mame Bonsai', Or 'Bean Bonsai' for some interesting results.]

Shohin denotes a general size of bonsai, Roughly it means 'One hand size'. This means the bonsai can comfortably be carried with one hand.

I have included the sizes of these [where known.] The trees are measured from the top of the tree to the soil surface,
For those who are not metric 30cm = 12"

These are from the gallery at https://mini-bonsai.com/indexe.html

Need proof that a little bonsai does not quickly become a big bonsai in a little pot? If at all.

Here are two pictures of a maple tree taken over 20 years apart. 12cm high
[img]https://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9548/16gazoumt8.jpg[/img]

[img]https://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9826/16gazou2over20yearsearlieron3.jpg[/img]

This apricot is 20 years old.
[img]https://img127.imageshack.us/img127/3091/japaneseapricot20yomp3.jpg[/img]

30 years old and 14cm.
[img]https://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1473/14cm30yoit2.jpg[/img]

9cm
[img]https://img127.imageshack.us/img127/6266/zelcova9cmii8.jpg[/img]

20cm wide
[img]https://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2353/mallus20cmwidebp6.jpg[/img]

9cm
[img]https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5383/prunus9cmvs2.jpg[/img]

14cm
[img]https://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3763/rosawichuraiana14cmzi7.jpg[/img]

16cm
[img]https://img127.imageshack.us/img127/7384/tridentmaple16cmxl3.jpg[/img]

Just a few large and small doses of inspiration to fire up your imagination.

Please let me know if anything grabbed, Stirred, Shook or Moved you.

I hope you enjoyed these.
ynot
Last edited by ynot on Wed May 30, 2007 3:21 pm, edited 2 times in total.

the collecter
Full Member
Posts: 41
Joined: Sat Aug 05, 2006 11:59 am
Location: Nj
Contact: Yahoo Messenger

I have to say honestly...the pics of the jin, they look great but I think too much jin takes away from the natural appearence of the tree - like you said, "make a tree look like a tree not a bonsai", with most of my trees I try to keep them as natural as possable but of course I still prune them to make them look their best as a personal show piece in my home.

All in all:
VERY INSPIRATIONAL as far as most of the pictures...it makes me wanna go out and buy a new tree from nursery stock and start the transformation - I love the tiney "micro" trees

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

the collecter wrote: I have to say honestly...the pics of the jin, they look great but I think too much jin takes away from the natural appearence of the tree.
Kimuras' trees are meant to evoke the image of a tree that has been fighting the savage elements, Barely clinging to life, Ravaged by the worst mother nature can throw at them. Yet they survive.
There are trees that look like this naturally in stormy coastal areas, Harsh alpine areas, and the High desert.
Anywhere in which trees live in [far] less than optimal conditions.

IMO little if any of what we do in training a bonsai could be considered 'natural':
Consider the following: Container culture, Indoor Living Conditions, Repotting, Manipulation of the root system/branches via pruning, Wiring and Grafting, Prevention of fruits and flowers to promote more foliage growth, Trunk chops, Defoliation, ect, ect.
Not a single one of these things occurs naturally to the degree we make it happen [if at all].
We can continue this topic in another thread if you wish so as not to dilute this one with the 'natural discussion'.

Glad you enoyed them 8)
ynot
EDIT: I hate it when I notice spelling errors in my posts, Almost as much as when I do not notice.
Last edited by ynot on Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:33 am, edited 5 times in total.

paddles
Full Member
Posts: 36
Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 5:22 pm
Location: echuca

Sharp wrote:I absolutely love this one:

[img]https://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8658/chineseelm2qingquanzhaory6.jpg[/img]


Forest bonsai are my favorites. Eventually id like to do some.
I want! :cry: :cry:

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

paddles wrote:[I want! :cry: :cry:
You are not alone :!: Did you notice it is a metre high and 1.3 metres long... 8)

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

the collecter wrote:VERY INSPIRATIONAL as far as most of the pictures...it makes me wanna go out and buy a new tree from nursery stock and start the transformation - I love the tiney "micro" trees
Glad you enjoyed them. 8)

If you liked those, You may find something of interest to look at in these galleries:

More Shohin Galleries

From Harry Harrington [UK]:

https://www.bonsai4me.com/gallery%20shohin.htm

And a Mame Gallery too [Even smaller :)] :
https://www.bonsai4me.com/gallery%20mame.htm

This is the gallery of the official All Japan Shohin-Bonsai Association:
https://www.shohin-bonsai.org/117-sub-top-memorial.htm

There are eight more pages of trees [and some pots too] from the Gafuten Yuga Collection to see.
Just scroll down and click on 'Vol 1' to begin the tour.
https://www.shohin-bonsai.org/yuga/index-e.htm

It goes without saying there are many many more out there 8)
Hope you enjoy these. 8)
ynot
Last edited by ynot on Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:35 pm, edited 2 times in total.

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

More various collections/galleries, In no particular order.

Walter Pall [Germany], His trees speak for themselves. Seven galleries here [Take note of what he considers 'In early development'... :lol: ]
[url=https://walter-pall.de/galerie.htm]There is much to learn here[/url].

The amazing Wolfgang Putz [Austria]:
Due to linking problems involving the translation you will have to navigate from the linked homepage, It is easy don't worry.

From his home page:
Go to "Bonsaigarten" in the link for some great views of Wolfgangs' bonsai garden, Including some winter pictures.
The gallery is at "Bonsaigalerie".
See "Ungestaltete Yamadori" for an interesting article/photo essay on Yamadori [Collected trees] with a gallery of same included. 8)
Here is the link:
https://home.eduhi.at/user/bonsai/putz_start.html

Amazing stuff from Reiner Goebel [CA]
https://www.rgbonsai.com/gallery.htm

[See his 'trees under development' also at
https://www.rgbonsai.com/development.htm ]

The National Bonsai Collection of the UK, Located at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses.
https://www.nationalbonsaicollection.org/tree_gallery.htm

I Hope you take the time to examine some of what is out there, It will help you develope an eye for tree design and being able to recognize aspects of it is the first step in being able to do it.

Ynot
Last edited by ynot on Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Petra26
Cool Member
Posts: 94
Joined: Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:23 am
Location: Chicago, IL

I am very glad to see all these wonderful pictures. they are indeed very very inspiring. I would like to be able to craft a bonsai of that quality

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Petra26 wrote:I am very glad to see all these wonderful pictures. they are indeed very very inspiring. I would like to be able to craft a bonsai of that quality
I am glad you like them Petra, I feel the same.

Hopefuly, The steps we are now taking are leading in that direction.

I thought some seasonal pictures might be nice:

Here are some trees showing off their Autumn Foliage

From Walter Pall: https://www.bonsai-fachforum.de/ftopic9451.html

From Wolfgang Putz: https://www.bonsai-fachforum.de/ftopic9456.html

To me the phrase 'Jaw Dropping Inspiration' comes to mind.

It makes me want to learn as much as possible about how to do this.

I hope you enjoy.
Last edited by ynot on Thu Oct 26, 2006 7:25 am, edited 1 time in total.

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

... 8)

Some monster trees from Jerry Meislik [USA]:
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Gallery/Gallery%20JerryMeislik.htm

Wow-Craig Coussins[Scotland]:
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Gallery/GalleryCraigCoussins.html
https://www.bonsaiinformation.com/zero.html

[url=https://www.bonsai4me.com/Gallery/galleryvictordan%20gallery2%20page1.htm]Victor Dan[/url] [Philippines]
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Gallery/galleryvictordan.htm


[url=https://www.bonsai4me.com/Gallery/Gallery%20NoelandersTrophy%20page1.htm]Gallery from the 7th Noelanders Trophy[/url], Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.

[url=https://www.bonsai4me.com/Gallery/GalNatArbRobKempinskiPartOne.htm]US National Arboretum Bonsai Collection[/url]

More eventually...If you want...
Enjoy 8)
ynot

mamfle
Full Member
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2006 4:02 am
Location: Cambridgeshire UK

Wow. They are truly amazing and inspirational. I have idea’s bouncing all over the place for the red Acer seeds that arrived today. I am thinking of a landscape but hey they are only seeds at the moment I have years before they can become anything real

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Another couple of images that just might make an impression:

This forest is planted on a slab that is 6 meters long.

[img]https://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/novusordo1/Inspiring%20Bonsai/foret2.jpg[/img]


In the next photos: With the exception of the slab it sits on, Everything you see that is NOT a plant was handcrafted by the artist.

And now, Enjoy a trip to the Shire in three seasons Winter, Spring, and Late Summer:

[img]https://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/novusordo1/Inspiring%20Bonsai/ShireinWinter.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/novusordo1/Inspiring%20Bonsai/ShireinSpringtime.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/novusordo1/Inspiring%20Bonsai/ShireLateSummer.jpg[/img]

Just thought those of you who do check out this thread might enjoy these.

Coments welcomed as allways....8)
ynot

User avatar
tarian
Senior Member
Posts: 120
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:12 pm
Location: wales

with masters like that giving out a new breath at every angle its imposible for me to go one day without even staring at my tree's

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

The WBFF World Bonsai Contest Winners 2006: These are low res PDF files [300 -750kb], [url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/wbc06.html#WBC06%20RESULTS]From here.[/url]

Prepare for some beautifully photographed mind blowing bonsai.

Page 1
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_02.pdf]Page 2[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_03.pdf]Page 3[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_04.pdf]Page 4[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_05.pdf]Page 5[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_06.pdf]Page 6[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_07.pdf]Page 7[/url]

The honorable mentions:

[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_08.pdf]Page 1[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_09.pdf]Page 2[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_10.pdf]Page 3[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_11.pdf]Page 4[/url]
[url=https://www.bonsai-bci.com/WorldBonsai06/WBC06_12.pdf]Page 5[/url]

Enjoy :!:

If you see something amazing feel free to comment. :)

ynot

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

[url=https://www.bonsai-fachforum.de/ftopic11458.html]A Beech forest assembly worth seeing[/url] even though the forum is in German.

8) :!:

These guys found a few flaws to pick at in this group, Any guesses?

ynot

User avatar
tarian
Senior Member
Posts: 120
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:12 pm
Location: wales

waw the beech forest looks awsem but abit out of my reach but I have an amazing larch from yami pic shortley

when I found it was like the tree that they find in karate kid 3

constantstaticx3
Green Thumb
Posts: 391
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:24 pm
Location: Haddonfield, NJ

wow that is one large forest. If it were mine, I wouldn't make a forest at all I would make a bunch of individual trees, they have very impressive trunks.

It looks like someone didn't like the arrangment of roots on one of them. I cant tell for sure but it looks like the roots were crossing over.

I think I would add some figurines or create a small village so the trees look even more massive, right now it could be any size depending on how you look at it. I like the dog laying in the middle, seems like they have a good sense of humor. Wish I could read germen I would like to know what they are saying.

Tom
Last edited by constantstaticx3 on Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

constantstaticx3 wrote: Wish I could read germen I would like to know what they are saying.

Tom
Ask and Ye shall receive: Different forum, Different People, Different language, [url=https://internetbonsaiclub.org/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=133&topic=21368.0]Same group planting.[/url] {I take requests...;) :lol:}

I must have posted the previous post before while the espresso machine was still running [I am a zombie before my morning infusion :!:]

ynot
Last edited by ynot on Thu Apr 05, 2007 6:25 am, edited 2 times in total.

constantstaticx3
Green Thumb
Posts: 391
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:24 pm
Location: Haddonfield, NJ

yea I tried that on my translater thats on my comp and the problem with that and the translater you gave me is that german doesn't translate the same in English so it becomes very confusing. I have the same problem with spanish. Thanks for the try anyway.

Tom

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Acer palmatum/Mountain Maple Progression Series From Harry Harrington:

The improvement continues...[url=https://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATmountainmapleprogression.htm]Enjoy[/url]

Harry does fabulous work. :D

Enjoy.

ynot

EDIT: Tom, Check out the new 'Big forest' link in my previous post [It is in English now] ...You will like it 8)
8)

constantstaticx3
Green Thumb
Posts: 391
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:24 pm
Location: Haddonfield, NJ

ynot thanks for the links 8) , very impressive. I read them all.

Tom

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Tom,

Thanks for that, Your very welcome :D

Kaizen Bonsai:

Graham Potter does excellent work, Take a look and see

[url=https://www.kaizenbonsai.com/gallery.htm]Their gallery is impressive.[/url]

[url=https://www.kaizenbonsai.com/workshop.htm]Various photo montages of works in progress.[/url]

[url=https://www.kaizenbonsai.com/articles.htm]Excellent articles about the nature of bonsai and life in general.[/url]

[url=https://www.kaizenbonsai.com/inspiring_stuff.htm]Inspiration from nature.[/url]

As always enjoy: 8)

ynot

constantstaticx3
Green Thumb
Posts: 391
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:24 pm
Location: Haddonfield, NJ

Wow thanks ynot you deliver again :D . I'm only on the first link but I'm reading them word for word. Your right, Graham Potterdoes amazing work. I like how he says he will have to settle for this look for now whn he has taken an overgrown shrub, with what looks like to me no potential at all, and turns it into an amazing bonsai! Everytime I see someone turn a shrub like that into a bonsai it makes me look twice at every tree and shrub I see a Home Depot.

Thanks again 8) .

Tom

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

constantstaticx3 wrote:Wow thanks ynot you deliver again :D . I'm only on the first link but I'm reading them word for word. Your right, Graham Potterdoes amazing work.
I am glad your enjoying this thread :D 8) :D [Often I am not entirely sure anybody looks at this...:lol:]
constantstaticx3 wrote:I like how he says he will have to settle for this look for now whn he has taken an overgrown shrub, with what looks like to me no potential at all, and turns it into an amazing bonsai!
Yeah, it gives me mixed emotions that vary from wanting to kick all my trees off of the patio while muttering :"I will never be able to see like that!"
To staggering feelings of awe that require both hands to pick my jaw up off of the desk...And all sorts of combinations thereof... :D
Everytime I see someone turn a shrub like that into a bonsai it makes me look twice at every tree and shrub I see a Home Depot.
LOL, Yep and driving around town, and the trees in the yard, The park, Next door, The hedges inbetween, etc....
Good ideas courtesy of mother nature to provide more inspiration are all around 8).

ynot

User avatar
webmaster
Site Admin
Posts: 9476
Joined: Sun Feb 08, 2004 12:59 pm
Location: Amherst, MA USDA Zone 5a

This is a great thread - been watching it for awhile now. Amazing pics. Well done.
:)

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

webmaster wrote:This is a great thread - been watching it for awhile now. Amazing pics. Well done.
:)
Thanks :D,

Oh and by the way...There's more 8).

READ THIS ENTIRE POST PLEASE

I promise you that this tree has come too far and been through too much to be skimmed over as though it were just another tree on your street.


I have posted this on this site before but it was buried long ago, So...

Training started on this Japanese White Pine in 1625, That's over 380 years old.

It is about five feet high and four feet wide with a trunk caliper of ten inches.

In 1976 it was donated by Masaru Yamaki as part of Japans Bicentennial Gift to the American people.

Mr. Yamakis family had run a commercial bonsai nursery for generations in Japan and this tree is still the oldest bonsai in the Japanese Bonsai Collection at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington DC.

[img]https://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7/yamakipinevp1.jpg[/img]

One other thing you may find notable is that this tree survived being 3 kilometers [under 2 miles] away from the detonation at 8:15 in the morning of August 6, 1945.

BTW, Detonation refers to the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan.

You read that right, After all of this: Masaru Yamaki gave his most treasured tree to our country as a birthday present.

Here is an interesting story about his grandsons coming to America to see the tree for the first time.
[They were not born yet when it was given to us by their grandfather.]

It is a moving story to say the least.

Enjoy :D
ynot

constantstaticx3
Green Thumb
Posts: 391
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:24 pm
Location: Haddonfield, NJ

I am glad your enjoying this thread Very Happy Cool Very Happy [Often I am not entirely sure anybody looks at this...Laughing
Well you can always count on atleast one person looking at it...me :D .
Yeah, it gives me mixed emotions that vary from wanting to kick all my trees off of the patio while muttering :"I will never be able to see like that!"
To staggering feelings of awe that require both hands to pick my jaw up off of the desk...And all sorts of combinations thereof... Very Happy
I have the exact same feelings. I look at those trees before he begins and think...is he crazy those are useless :shock: , then I am in awe of what he does with them.

As for the AMAZING white pine from Japan, I found that tree in my research a long time ago. There was a whole article on it. What a gift from Mr. Yamaki. As I sit here and type this, I am looking at the tree below and if you scroll up a little so the pot is hidden then the tree looks like a MONSTER, beautiful ramification. Try it :D .

Tom

User avatar
Gnome
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 5122
Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:17 am
Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A

Ynot,

Certainly an impressive tree and an amazing story as well. I am watching "The last Samurai" as I type this. I am not usually one to dwell on the philosophical nature of bonsai but occasionally something just cuts through my stubbornness and brings home that in the right hands bonsai can be more than just a tree in a pot.

Thanks for keeping this thread going.

Norm

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Gnome wrote:Ynot

I am not usually one to dwell on the philosophical nature of bonsai but occasionally something just cuts through my stubbornness and brings home that in the right hands bonsai can be more than just a tree in a pot.
I do know what you mean Gnome, In this case it just happened to be a tree that was the gift that exemplified a wonderful example of a human being being giving.....
Gnome wrote: Thanks for keeping this thread going.
That's mostly Toms fault, He keeps flogging me on :P ;) :twisted: :lol: .. So I dig deeper.

ynot

constantstaticx3
Green Thumb
Posts: 391
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:24 pm
Location: Haddonfield, NJ

That's mostly Toms fault, He keeps flogging me on Razz Wink Twisted Evil Laughing .. So I dig deeper.
Well ya know it is nice to have someone do my research for me :wink: :twisted: ...it's great keep it coming :P :D .

Tom

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

...You Just knew more was coming...Right?


A bit from Januarys Noelanders Trophy 2007:
https://www.bonsai.dk/?kat=133&artikelid=740

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=276&d=keyaki2006&p=1]Studio Photos[/url]

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=228&d=dbs2005_studio&p=1]More Studio Shots[/url]

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=224&d=arco_exeb&p=1]Exhibition trees[/url]

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=225&d=arco_contest&p=1]2005 Arco Contest trees[/url]

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=102&d=sanmarino2004demo&p=1]2004 San Marino Demo[/url]

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=99&d=Ichi_shun_ten&p=1]Ichi Shun Ten demo/display[/url]

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=178&d=saburokato&p=1]Saburo Kato Group Demo[/url]

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=98&d=bonsaicamp2004&p=3]Walter Pall Bonsai camp pictorial[/url]

[url=https://www.bonsai.dk/side_galleri.asp?kat=98&d=bonsaicamp2004&p=4]Walter Pall Bonsai camp pictorial II[/url]

Lots of stuff here, I think I bought myself some time..;)

Enjoy 8),

ynot

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

On Occasion I think of things that I thought I had already posted to this thread...[Some of you have seen this before as I know I have posted this here previously but again...It is long buried.]

Exhibit A:

Let Doug Philips inspire you with his full on take no prisoners approach to [url=https://www.dugzbonsai.com/olivehead.htm]Olive bonsai.[/url] At the bottom of that page, 'Take the tour'.

For those of you that have not done much pruning: Fasten your seatbelt, This is your only warning. :twisted: :P.

Notice Dougs use of multiple chops, & Rootpruning in the development of these trees. Peek at his soil and grow boxes as well.


Next, [url=https://www.dugzbonsai.com/tridenttrunk.htm]Check out the Trident Maple Fusing Projects,[/url] Individual tree tours are at the bottom of the page.

Hope you enjoy these :D.

ynot

JoeLewko
Green Thumb
Posts: 348
Joined: Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:29 pm

You were right about the olive tree :shock: It always amazes me to see how really any tree can recover from such a harsh pruning, or in this case, *chainsawing* :D

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

JoeLewko wrote:You were right about the olive tree :shock: It always amazes me to see how really any tree can recover from such a harsh pruning, or in this case, *chainsawing* :D
:shock::?::shock:

Not even close Joe.:roll:

It's entirely inaccurate to say 'really any tree' can survive this at all...

How you can extrapolate what happened to this tree into a huge general statement like that is beyond me.

MOVING ON:

[url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=https://wafu.web.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/mamebon-album/sm_albums.cgi%3Faction%3Dmake_html%26cat%3D17%26txtnumber%3Dlog&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=10&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbonsai%2Bmame%2Bgallery%26start%3D10%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26pwst%3D1]A Mame Gallery~Evergreens,[/url] [url=https://wafu.web.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/mamebon-album/sm_albums.cgi?action=make_html&cat=18&txtnumber=log]Deciduous & Flowering Mames.[/url]

[url=https://wafu.web.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/mamebon-album/sm_albums.cgi?action=make_html&cat=21&txtnumber=log]Mame Displays,[/url] [url=https://wafu.web.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/mamebon-album/sm_albums.cgi?action=make_html&cat=22&txtnumber=log]Yet More Mames.[/url] [url=https://wafu.web.infoseek.co.jp/cgi-bin/mamebon-album/sm_albums.cgi?action=make_html&cat=20&txtnumber=log]Collecting Mame Pots is also popular.[/url]

[url=https://www.geocities.com/ryuenjp/]Step up a bit in size with A Shohin Gallery.[/url]

Make sure to click on the individual trees on the Mame page as some of them are actual size [Or bigger] when you see them on the moniter..8).

The sizes are listed for some of these, Keep in mind that Bonsai are measured from the soil up.

If you happen to not be metric-friendly 30cm=12 inches.

Enjoy these little treasures, :D

ynot

EDIT:I will reply to Joes following post in the edit below- I am not going to take five posts to explain this though.[img]https://www.mysmilie.de/english/green/smilies/angry/3/img/010.gif[/img]
Not this specific example, meaning, trees just seem to take any opportunity they can to survive.
:?: This specific example is what you referenced. This makes no sense whatsoever.... I give up.[img]https://www.mysmilie.de/english/green/smilies/aliens/img/020.gif[/img]
Take, for example, when people prune back a tree so it doesn't lean over their property, power lines, ex. sometimes, half of the branches, or all are cut, and the tree survives.
That's simply not relevant to the specific procedure about which you stated "really any tree can recover from" Which I corrected.
Last edited by ynot on Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:32 pm, edited 4 times in total.

JoeLewko
Green Thumb
Posts: 348
Joined: Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:29 pm

It's entirely inaccurate to say 'really any tree' can survive this at all...
Not this specific example, meaning, trees just seem to take any opportunity they can to survive.

Take, for example, when people prune back a tree so it doesn't lean over their property, power lines, ex. sometimes, half of the branches, or all are cut, and the tree survives.

EDIT: I'm responding to ynot's edit here
I give up.
Let me just say I think that olive tree recovery was amazing. I didn't know it could take a chopping like that. guess you learn something new everday :) . We'll just leave it at that.
Last edited by JoeLewko on Sat Apr 14, 2007 11:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.



Return to “Bonsai Learning Forum & Library”