Gallery: International BONSAI Masterpieces

G a l l e r y

INTERNATIONAL BONSAI MASTERPIECES

Twisted trunk pomegranate, Punicia granatum ‘Nejikan,’ trained in the informal upright style from a cutting. The massive coiled trunk was trained in the ground and is nearly 100 years old. During the summer Pomegranates produce vivid orange flowers, and, if lucky, medium size fruit. This masterpiece bonsai has a solid lower trunk and surface root system. It is amazing how the trunk swirls around and around, almost snake like. The antique Chinese Container harmonizes with the green foliage, orange flowers and reddish fruit. From Kunio Kobayashi’s Shunka-en Bonsai Museum in Tokyo, Japan.

Potentilla, Potentilla fruitiosa, is also named shrubby cinquefolia is a common inexpensive landscape plant in the United States. It is indeed rare to see a large, single trunk specimen in Japan. This masterpiece bonsai has spent decades confined to a container and has been well trained by Kunio Kobayashi. Potentilla blossom in summer until autumn. They require an abundance of water to maintain the numerous flowers and small foliage. There are over 50 different cultivars which vary in flower color and growth habit. They can also be appreciated in winter for the exfoliating bark. From Kunio Kobayashi’s Shunka-en Bonsai Museum in Tokyo,Japan.

Crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, colorful dainty flowers blossom for the three summer months, thus the common name ”Tree which flowers for 100 days.” Although this bonsai does not look great age, it does represent a very elegant and quiet feeling. It is planted into a shallow unglazed container which is perfect for the literati style. The beautiful tall undulating trunk is visually well balanced with the lower trunk and surface root system. There are dozens of cultivars of Crape myrtle varying in color, flower, growth habitat and bark textures. From Kunio Kobayashi’s Shunka-en Bonsai Museum in Tokyo, Japan.

Kei Do ToKonoma Display

Planting: Dwarf Lotus, Nelumbo nicifera Chawan Basu.’

Container: Yellow glazed, round with rim design, Japanese Seto-ware.

Display Table: Flat rectangular, rosewood. Accessory: Bamboo root carving of a crab on a round laquered stand.

Comments: The atmospher of this quiet display is suittale for summer enjoyment Display BY Uhaku Sudo