Page 53 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q1

you’re representing a lot more than just yourself over
there.” So true.
The event has almost always been at Miyako Messe
except for the two years while the venue was being
rebuilt. Miyako is an old descriptive term for Kyoto
(once known as Heian-kyo) and Messe is a German
word for exhibition place. Judging is as follows. First,
three of the best displays for each major division are
chosen.
The divisions are:
Evergreens: Large/Medium/Small
Deciduous: Large/Medium/Small
Ishitsuki: Rock planting/Root over-rock
Shohin Displays
Satsuki
All categories have three of the best representatives
selected by a panel of ten bonsai professionals first.
Then, five Taikan-ten honorary judges and five bon-
sai professionals vote to choose the award winners.

The Taikanten-sho Award is given to displays that
are especially well made. Attention is paid to the
harmony between the container, bonsai style, stand,
and supporting elements. Mike and Amy Blanton’s
display in 2009 won this award. To my knowledge,
each of these awards is sponsored by a company or
organization.
Photo, Owen Reich

Photo, Mark Cooper
Bottom and inset; Mark and
Ritta Cooper have been keen
on bonsai and koi for over 30
years. They are a rare team as
there is no check or balance
system when both love bonsai
equally as much. This display
at the Taikan-ten was a major
goal of theirs that they have
now accomplished. They’ve
also won awards at Noeland-
ers and many British exhibi-
tions. After Naoki Maeoka,
an apprentice at Kouka-en
styled this Pinus parviflora,
Mark prepared the bonsai for
exhibition. Ritta, an expert in
the art of kusamono, prepared
the supporting element.
Photo, Mark Cooper
January/February/March 2014 | BCI | 51