Page 8 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q1

uring the last few years, Southeast Asia a thirst to improve and excel the quality of Taiwanese
has played a contributing role in the de- bonsai artistry, moved a group of bonsai professionals
velopment of the world bonsai commu- to establish the Taiwan Bonsai Creators Association
nity. In the global bonsai arena, Taiwan (TBCA) in 1997. This was the first time a group of
Dhas garnered countless accolades as a Taiwanese bonsai professionals organized as a collec-
source of bonsai greatness because of the high quality tive with the single goal of improving technical, cul-
of artistry and technical ability of its bonsai practitio- tivation and display aspects in Taiwanese Bonsai Art,
ners. However, little is known about the foundation so the future was anticipated with apprehension but
of Taiwan’s professional bonsai community and Tai- with immense enthusiasm towards its continuity and
wanese bonsai. Because ecological and climatic factors overall success. With this in mind, preparations for
play an important role in the development of bonsai in its inaugural exhibition were set for the summer of
Taiwan, we begin with a brief description of Taiwan’s 1998 and the southwestern city of Chiayi was chosen
microclimate. The island of Taiwan (Isla Formosa) to introduce the association to the Taiwanese bon-
lies on the Tropic of Cancer and its general climate sai community. As often is the case, nature played a
is marine tropical. The northern and central regions hand in the newly created professional group, with the
are subtropical, whereas the south is tropical and the threats of typhoons Akang and Nichole, minimizing
Bottom and top left inset; Mr. Ho mountainous regions have temperate belts. This diver- the occurrence of their initial show. Against all odds
Chih Xiong, President of TBCA sity of climates, combined with the tropical heat and and with impending natural hazards lurking in the
Top right inset; Mr. Chen Tsan humidity, makes it possible for growing a vast number Taiwanese skies, preparations were not suspended and
Sing, Chairman, BCI-ASPAC
2017 of tree and plant species, thus contributing to the di- the maiden exhibition was opened in July 2, 1998 with
Bottom right inset; Mr. Su I Chi, versity of those used in bonsai. This huge ecological no typhoon in sight! Exceeding expectations, partici-
BCI Past President assortment and availability of resources, united with pation was a success, making it possible for bonsai
to be selected as top ten, top twenty five and top fifty
This year, under the leadership of President Ho Chih entries. This first show set the foundation for years
to come and has been held consecutively for the last
Xiong and the wonderful natural backdrop of Sun eighteen (18) years.
As stated before, the judged exhibition is held an-
Moon Lake in Nantou County, the 18th annual Taiwan nually, usually in summer, with membership partici-
pation consisting solely of bonsai professionals who
Bonsai Creators Association show was celebrated have distinction in artistry and have excelled in bonsai

6 | BCI | January/February/March 2016