Customer Reviews

The Bonsai Art of Kimura

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book explores Kimura's artistry via progression series (photos of a potensai's beginning, middle, and end work)and via strictly before and after photos where no progression is shown. The book is laminated and well bound. Every page is glossy and there are many high quality photos. There is a summary of the history and work of every bonsai discussed therein. The translation is unobtrusive and without pretension, making it very easy to read and to understand in its matter of factness. I say translation because the original edition of this book is in Japanese by Katsuhito Onishi of Kindai. There is almost a personal touch to this book in that Kimura was involved in its publication (unlike the sequel to this book) and you feel as if you're intimately privy to Kimura's bonsai process as you are reading. It's definitely an adventure and I recommend this book's purchase readily. You won't be disappointed. Understand, however, that the summary only dictates what was done, and not how it was done. Kimura's techniques are not divulged. For example, we know that he separates the live veins from the deadwood in styling "The Dragon" but his technique for doing so is not discussed. However, the process information is very helpful and does its best to explain what is happening step by step. For advanced students, most of the time, it isn't difficult to guess at the techniques used. Having said this, there are only progression series for 5 bonsai. The others are strictly before and after shots of particular bonsai as well as close up shots of shari, jin, and branch ramification/style. It's a beautiful book that will keep you enthralled for hours. Definitely one of my favorites. Make yourself a present of this wonderful treasure trove of inspiration.

P.S. There's a sequel to this book, as well as a sequel to that sequel. Please read the review before purchasing.

Masahiko Kimura, also known as 'The Magician', is perhaps the most famous bonsai artist ever. His bonsai are unique, exciting, even mind boggling. Watch as he fearlessly transforms confused tangles into stunning sculptural masterpieces. The over 300 color photos take us on a step by step journey through the development of some of the most dramatic trees in the world.

Masahiko Kimura, generally regarded as one of the finest bonsai artists alive, is also one of the most famous. His bonsai artistry has been described as unique, exciting, even mind-boggling. In this book one can observe step-by-step as he transforms seemingly hopeless tangles of wood into stunning bonsai masterpieces. Over three hundred color photographs and detailed text further illustrate his artistry.

The pictures are incredible! I won't enter the debate as to the degree of "sculpting" that is or should be a part of true bonsai, but Kimura presents and interesting alternative to the huge time element (generations of growers / trainers) in obtaining an old and beautiful tree. It is an amazing alternative technique to those typically featured in the traditional books on growing and training Bonsai. Truly an "eye opener", both literaly and figuratively.

Este libro es uno de los recomendados en varias listas de correo sobre bonsai, la verdad es que no le he leido y si me gustaría hacerlo, por eso pido a ver si alguien lo puede encontrar.