Page 9 - Tạp chí bonsai BCI Q12011

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and GHMT Bonsai Exhibition in Guangzhou. There, the left; Watching a large pot being
most distinctive aspect was the large scale of the bonsai made by hand without a mold.
(called pensai) in China. Many of the trees would require below left, bottom left and bot-
several strong backs to move. Also noteworthy was the tom right; Flat pad bonsai style
southern Chinese style. Using tropical plants, this style of Yangzhou.
had a free flowing and very artistic interpretation. Also
very interesting was the plethora of bonsai nurseries in
the area, and the vast quantity of bonsai material cycling
through the Chinese economy—much at elevated prices
that would astound many Westerners.
After a short domestic flight, the tour alighted in Nan-
jing where we saw more fantastic bonsai and stones.
© Budi Sulistyo
These trees, living in a temperate climate, resembled
the majority of species grown in the USA and Europe. “ It was at the Yangzhou
The hospitality and friendship rang true and contrib- Penjing Museum where I
uted to a wonderful visit. The group also visited Yixing, encountered the Yangzhou
the pottery center of China, and witnessed the bonsai flat pad bonsai style for the
pot-making process first hand. One artisan made a large first time. There, a young
hand-formed pot without a mold as we watched — truly bonsai artist was showing
a very impressive tech-
amazing craftsmanship. nique whereby a branch is
In Yangzhou, the site of the 2013 BCI convention, there shaped with three bends
was a blur of activity as the Yangzhou convention com- in every inch to create the
mittee hosted welcome dinners, police escorts, park flat topped style. The raffia
tours, a BCI-Yangzhou contract signing ceremony and is kept on until it is time for
a farewell dinner. Yangzhou officials assured us that the the next inch to be shaped
but can be kept on for quite
2013 BCI convention will be spectacular. It will be held at a long time. ”
the Yangzhou Bonsai museum in the Slender Lake Park, Willem Pretorius,
perhaps the best museum of its kind in the world and the South Africa
home of the Yangzhou flat pad bonsai style. These trees
must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

left: A detailed view of the
branch configuration of the
flat pad style. Palm fiber has no
stiffness so it can only pull in
one direction, hence the flat
pad but note the horizontal
branch movement. The stylist
uses a slogan, “3 turns in one
inch.”

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