Page 49 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q2

Top; Where there is limited
opportunity for large bonsai in
city homes, Saikei, such as this
Bougainvillea glabra, gives an
almost instant result because it
incorporates affordable, small
nursery-grown plants.
Middle; Stones and rocks play an
important part in the art of Saikei
and can help beautify a scene as in
this Saikei of Serissa foetida, Serissa
serissoides and Serissa foetida mini.
Bottom; The authors offer detailed
explanation of how to create a
root connected style like this Ficus
jaquinifolia.

Not many books have been written on Saikei. The
pioneer of this art form was Tokichi Kawamoto from
Japan. His book is now a now a collector’s item. His son
Toshio Kawamoto, author of Saikei: Living Landscapes
in Miniature continued his father’s work supported by
Tom Yamamoto, who both travelled, spreading this
form of bonsai. These, along with Qing Quan Zhao
from China have been the main influence to the
authors. I personally have had a passion for Saikei since
visiting Kawamoto’s roof top studio in the mid eighties.
In the Beyond the Spirit of Miniature Landscapes
the authors cover the principle of creating Saikei
landscapes and group plantings.
The group planting section covers placement of
trees and stones with detailed series of photos using
sticks to explain the tree placement. They also have a
section on raft style with photo examples and detailed
diagrams. Another chapter include root connected
style.
They also give detailed explanation on the
placement of stones and photos explaining stone and
gravel placement to achieve different scenes such as
river view, gorge and ponds.
The chapter on Water and Land Penjing gives
details on plant and stone selection and step-by-step
photographs of how to create the arrangement. They
also cover selecting plant material, stone selection—
covering different types of stones—placement of trees
and stones in the tray and container selection.
Other chapter cover the Care of Group Planting,
Maintaining Forest Bonsai and Saikei, Container and
Accessories.
There is a philosophical aspect to the book which
reflects the authors passion.
The author’s goal is “to share knowledge, expand the
world of bonsai growers and spread joy through the
art of making miniature tray landscapes.”
The book is a hard cover, has 80 glossy pages
with clear photos, 24 cm x 19 cm and at $13.95
recommended retail price, I think it is good value.

April/May/June 2017 | BCI | 47