Page 7 - Tạp chí bonsai BCI Q12011

Memories of China

BCI 2010 China Tour and BCI Convention in Tianjin

isiting China on the recent BCI tour, one could al- by Robert Kempinski
most imagine how Marco Polo must have felt as he with comments from
Vtraveled there centuries ago and experienced the Willem Pretorius and
wonderful culture and saw the amazing sites of the vast Ian Glew.
country—including its bonsai. Even though Japan has Photos by Robert Kempinski,
been the largest influence on the art of bonsai in the rest USA; Budi Sulistyo, Indonesia;
of the world, most bonsai enthusiasts are aware bonsai Rosemarie Voelker, USA; Ian
originated in China. Yet, due to the Cultural Revolution, Glew, Australia; and Willem
Chinese bonsai have remained somewhat unknown to Pretorius, South Africa
the majority of bonsai growers outside of its borders. below; Cascade Juniper at
Upon visiting China and seeing firsthand the splendor the Bonsai Club Exhibition in
of the trees and stones, and the enthusiasm and wide- Nanjing.
spread nature of the art, one can readily be transported bottom; Budi Sulistyo, Indone-
to an earlier age and truly appreciate the diversity and sia and Willem Pretorius, South
tradition of the art. Africa, join the party.
The BCI Tour, arranged by BCI President I.C. Su and
his wife, Helen Su, was chock full of adventure as it tra-
versed across a large part of China. It started in south-
ern China with a visit to the Chencun World of Flowers

© Rosemarie Voelker

© Rob Kempinski © Rob Kempinski
January/February/March 2011 | 5
© Rob Kempinski