BCI president Tom Elias recently attended Japan’s premier bonsai show, the Kokufu Bonsai Ten and reports on this prestigious exhibition and the suiseki show that coincided with this event. 

Kath Hughes reports on the Noelanders Trophy in Belgium, a bonsai event that continues to grow in stature with each occurrence. 

David Fukumoto has stated in previous articles that in Hawaii, they consider all sides of a bonsai composition so that its display is not limited only to the formal front. He demonstrates this masterfully by creating a 360 degree planting with three beautiful and unique views that evoke Hawaii’s exotic landscapes.

Massimo Bandera shows us how nature and the aesthetic Shibusa inspired him and his team to turn a vigorous formal upright into an informal composition possessing distinction and character.

Danilo Scursatone ponders the role of masterpiece trees in bonsai art and helps us understand that if an art form is to evolve and progress, masterpieces should be considered a source of inspiration, not imitation. 

To inspire us to look for our own stones to collect, Tom Elias profiles Ken McLeod, the adventurous stone purveyor of American stones and takes us on a collecting trip where we learn a few collecting tips. 

This issue is full of articles from very experienced and knowledgeable contributors from which we can learn. Lew Buller, Nikunj and Jyoti Parekh and Sujata Bhat provide valuable information and insights into two species suitable for bonsai; Kath Hughes is on a mission to help us understand the complexities of judging bonsai with a challenge to comment on the trees she presents; Kath also profiles her colleagues Mark and Ritta Cooper, whose love of Japan and all things Japanese has enriched their life; and Tony Ankowicz contributes an important chapter in American stone appreciation, presenting stones from The Great Lakes. Everybody loves a bonsai tree in bloom but the Satsuki Festivals in Japan are in a class of their own. Mike McIntyre takes us there to explain the fascination with the tree of “the fifth month.” 

 

 

Noelanders Trophy XVIII and EBA & ESA Convention 2017

 

The interpretation and development of Juniperus bonsai art from the mountains to the plains

 

Quiet Stones

 

Up Your Bonsai Game! Online Bonsai Education Growing Strong:Bonsai Empire and Bonsai Mirai

 

Yamadori Techniques: From Collection To First Styling

 

Sweet Fragrance: The Charm of Flowering Wisteria Bonsai

 

Reclaiming its wild heritage: Juniperus Sabina, the Alpine Wind

 

 

Sharing Knowledge, Spreading Joy:Beyond the Spirit of Miniature Landscapes: Saikei, Forest and Water & Land Penjing,

 

 

Bed and Bonsai in Thailand: Suanphung Bonsai Village

 

 

From Bonsai to Stamps to Photo Albums; A lifetime of bonsai appreciation and international friendships; Upcoming Nationaland International Bonsai Events

 

The 8th World Bonsai Convention 2017

 

Nippon Suiseki Association Exhibit

 

32nd Arcobonsai & 19th Arcofiori

 

Bonsai Triennale 2017, International Bonsai Exhibition in Dresden-Pillnitz

 

Celebrating 50 Years, 2017 ABS Convention

 

A Gift of Larches: Expo-Bonsai 2017 at Bonsai Gros-Bec

 

 

Once in a life time! A Trip to Japan

 

Antique with Life: Chee Peng Tan’s Junipers and Podocarpus

 

 

Artistic Licence; Creating a Better Black Olive Bonsai

 

 

Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden sets a Guinness World Record!

 

BCI Director Sujata Bhat photographed this masterpiece Shimpaku Juniper, estimated to be 1,000 years old at the 8th World Bonsai Convention in Saitama City. This juniper was found in the mountains of Itoigawa City in 1983. It was handed down to different owners, eventually coming under management of Saburo Kato, the third manager of Mansei-en in Omiya Village. The tree, called Flying Dragon—Hiryu in Japanese—is registered by the Nippon Bonsai Association. To honor Kato’s achievements in bonsai, it was chosen as the symbol of the 8th World Bonsai Convention, 2017.

 

France, blessed by the bonsai gods? 2018 BCI International Convention, Mulhouse
By François Jeker, France

The 12TH Crespi Cup; Bringing People to the World of Bonsai Through Immersive Oriental Experiences
By Susanna Crespi with Massimo Bandera, Italy

BCI Award of Excellence at the Crespi Cup
By Massimo Bandera, Italy.

Shohin Gaining Space inAmerica,
By Carlos Morales, Puerto Rico

Bonsai, Friendship & Harmony; ABFF in South Korea
By Budi Sulistyo, Indonesia

 

 

Pep: A chef, who in the wild olive has found an island of happiness.
By Massimo Bandera, Italy

 

 

Building a Better Bonsai Collection
By David De Groot, USA

Planting A Seed; An Opportunity to Spark Interest in Bonsai at a Very Young Age
By Larry Stephan, USA

Lovers of stones: Hokkaido Suiseki Federation Exhibition & the All Nippon Aiseki Association
By Tom Elias and Hiromi Nakaoji, USA

A Visit to a Suseok Museum; Jeju Island, South Korea
By Budi Sulistyo, Indonesia

 

 

Ministry to restore neglected Japanese-style gardens abroad