Classic Bonsai of Japan [Hardcover]

Nippon Bonsai Association (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 6, 2004

Enter the fascinating world of bonsai, the centuries-old gardening art form of cultivating trees as potted plants. Refined to a high art in Japan, bonsai offers not only the familiar gardening delights but also, at its highest levels, a philosophical and aesthetic communion with nature.

Here in CLASSIC BONSAI OF JAPAN, the Nippon Bonsai Association, Japan's preeminent voice of the bonsai tradition, introduces a collection of the finest bonsai pieces to be found in Japan today-some of them presented to a Western audience for the first time. Over 130 full color and 48 black-and-white plates of priceless specimens with informative commentary provide a definitive tour of the bonsai world-from a 15-year-old flowering cherry to a majestic 1,000-year-old Yezo spruce. The notes for each piece offer insights into the balance, style, harmony, and overall aesthetic effect along with comments on the history of its cultivation at the hands of several generations of bonsai masters.

John Bester brings his intimate knowledge of Japanese culture and sensibility to an elegant interpretation of bonsai art specifically adapted to Western readers. Essays on appreciation, history, and aesthetics further invite readers to enjoy this "natural" art on an informed level.

A feast for the eyes as well as a lasting monument to the history of an artistic tradition, this deluxe volume is sure to delight the bonsai enthusiast, garden hobbyist, lover of things Japanese-indeed anyone with an interest in looking at art and nature in unison.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is not only the length of its lifespan that distinguishes the immobile tree from birds that fly, fish that swim, and men and beasts that walk over the earth; it is also the only living thing that creates, within itself, annual rings spelling out the history of its life." Bonsai, dwarf trees, contain "a record of our ancestors' trials and tribulations" in "less space than a man can encompass with his arms." This (ironically) oversize book includes 200 full-color and black-and-white photographs of Japanese specimens ranging in age from a mere five to 1000 years, and from the cheerful winter jasmine, bedecked with yellow blooms, to wizened junipers with twisted limbs. Bonsai specialists Naka, Aragaki and Marushima detail history, cultivation and stylistic nuances. Presented in an oddly luxe fashion for such an understated art, the trees--bathed in startlingly unambiguous light-appear larger than life, but more legible for that. A Garden Book Club selection." -Publishers Weekly

"This sumptuous, oversize book features over 200 high-quality color and black-and-white photos of classic bonsai selected from a 12-volume series published in Japanese for specialist growers. The photos illustrate bonsai of various ages, including examples that are hundreds of years old. An appendix of brief descriptive comments for each plant gives valuable information including age and size. A narrative section provides background on the history of Japanese bonsai and good descriptions of growth styles of various types. This pricey but beautiful book focuses on examples of classic bonsai that will inspire growers and collectors." -Library Journal

"... Exemplifies one of the most unique art forms in the world." -The Bloomsbury Review

About the Author

The NIPPON BONSAI ASSOCIATION is the single largest public bonsai organization in Japan. Initially begun as the Kokufu Bonsai Kai in 1934, the association has become increasingly active in bonsai circles over the years. As an artistic and cultural ambassador, the association has sought to develop a high standard and to foster a broader awareness of the art of bonsai. Toward this end the association sponsors the annual Kokufu Bonsai-ten (the largest bonsai exhibition in Japan), publishes such periodicals as Bonsai Shunju, and conducts lectures and seminars on bonsai technique in Japan and abroad.

Currently, the association has more than 300 chapters nationwide with approximately 20,000 members and some 300 members in 30 countries throughout the world.

JOHN YOSHIO NAKA is one of the foremost authorities on bonsai in the West and author of Bonsai Techniques. HIDEO ARAGAKI is an awardwinning columnist. His collected essays for the magazine Bonsai Shunju appeared in book form under the title of Shizen to Jinsei (Nature and Life) in 1987. HIDEO MARUSHIMA, a practicing lawyer, writes extensively on bonsai and suiseki for various Japanese publications. His Nihon Bonsai Bonseki Shiko(An Interpretative History of Bonsai and Suiseki) was published in 1982.

With the exception of ten years lecturing at the University of Tokyo, JOHN BESTER, a graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies of London University, has devoted most of his time in Japan to translation. In particular, the many literary and other translations that he has undertaken for Kodansha International have established him in the front rank of the field.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 188 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha USA; 2nd edition (February 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770029926
• ISBN-13: 978-4770029928
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,058,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of very old beauties, September 17, 2010

By 

Leonardo G. Carvalho "Leo Gomes" (Diamantina, MG, Brazil) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Classic Bonsai of Japan (Hardcover)

Outstanding book. I got to know it from my bonsai master in Brazil, and it really happened to be one of the best on my bonsai library. Concerning bonsai books, I think good pictures are the most important aspect, and this books takes this to the top. Quite technical photographs, amazing trees, and a section at the end gives information about each and every tree shown. Absolutely recommended for everyone interested in bonsai and nature.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Bonsai of Japan, September 21, 2007

By 

Elliot Claire (Mpls, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Bonsai of Japan (Hardcover)

Wow! This is what a Bonsai book should look like! The photos are superb. The story on each tree is very helpful I didn't even mind that they were in the back. I could more of this type of book because the photos were high enough quality to be able to see forms. Anyone interested in seeing quality trees should own this.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good book, July 19, 2005

By 

H. Diep "Bonsai Noob" (NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Classic Bonsai of Japan (Hardcover)

This book has many great pictures to give the beginners inspirations to pursue this great hobby.