Classic Bonsai of Japan (Hardcover)

~ John Naka (Illustrator), Hideo Aragaki (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"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.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

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.
- Dale Luchsinger, Athens Area Technical Inst. Lib., Ga.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 188 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha America (October 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870119338
• ISBN-13: 978-0870119330
• Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 10.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #434,895 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Experience the very finest of the Japanese art of bonsai., March 8, 1998

By	Jim Seeden (Rio Grande City, Texas) - See all my reviews

The magnificent photographs in this book, accompanied by indications of the size and ages of the trees shown will astound you. Short of a trip to Japan, or perhaps to our National Arboretum, this book provides the best means for enhancing your appreciation of the art of bonsai.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars spectacular large format color photographs, July 25, 2001

By A Customer

Incredible masterpieces of Bonsai, most many hundreds of years old, are displayed in exquisite high-resolution photographs. This book is well worth the money for those seeking to study the world's finest examples of this living art form. An well-written and insightful historical survey is included.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Bonsai of Japan, May 9, 2002

By	"icemancb" (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

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

An Informative and visually stunning text. This is not just a pretty book. Much can be learned from the subtitles for the bonsai enthusiast and casual browser alike.