Fine Bonsai

In this luxurious cloth bound hardcover with glossy slipcase, renowned botanical photographer Jonathan Singer presents his breathtaking images of the world's most notable bonsai. In Fine Bonsai: Art & Nature, the finest extant achievements in the art of bonsai are seen together for the first time, through the lens of renowned botanical photographer Jonathan Singer. This magnificent volume is the result of an extensive photographic campaign, in the course of which Singer was granted unprecedented access to the most respected public and private collections in Japan and the United States, including the mecca of bonsai, the Omiya Bonsai Village of Saitama, Japan, where photography is normally prohibited. Three hundred stunning full-page images and four lavish gatefolds present bonsai of all types, from quiet representations of nature to bold sculptural forms. The horticultural and aesthetic characteristics of each bonsai are concisely and authoritatively described in the narrative captions by William Valavanis, head of the International Bonsai Arboretum in Rochester, New York. And because the container is considered an integral part of any bonsai—indeed, the literal meaning of “bonsai” is “tray plant”—the book also includes some twenty-five photographs of traditional bonsai containers, with descriptions. A further sequence of twenty-five photographs is devoted to the related art of suiseki, or miniature stone landscapes displayed in the same manner, and often alongside, bonsai. With his groundbreaking first book, Botanica Magnifica, Jonathan Singer established a new style of botanical photography, characterized by an exceptional clarity of detail and richness of color, as well as a painterly chiaroscuro. These qualities are just as evident in the present volume; Singer photographs each bonsai with an artist’s—one might even say a portraitist’s—eye. Whereas most books on bonsai aim to instruct readers on techniques of care and cultivation, Singer’s book takes the reader on a visual journey. His images encompass many different species, from azalea to red maple, as well as a variety of blossoms and fruits. Alluring and serene, Singer's photographs make the experience of leafing through Bonsai not unlike entering a real Japanese garden. Fine Bonsai: Art & Nature not only documents the masterpieces of an ancient horticultural art, but is a masterpiece in itself. A portion of the proceeds of this book will benefit the Japanese Red Cross.

A photography book of bonsai trees. Photographs were taken at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

In this deluxe volume, renowned botanical photographer Jonathan Singer presents his breathtaking images of the world's most notable bonsai. Features a cloth-bound hardcover with a leather-bound spine and a handsome cloth slipcase. In Fine Bonsai: Art and Nature, the finest extant achievements in the art of bonsai are seen together for the first time, through the lens of renowned botanical photographer Jonathan Singer. This magnificent deluxe volume is the result of an extensive photographic campaign, in the course of which Singer was granted unprecedented access to the most respected public and private collections in Japan and the United States, including the mecca of bonsai, the Omiya Bonsai Village of Saitama, Japan, where photography is normally prohibited. Three hundred stunning full-page images and four lavish gatefolds present bonsai of all types, from quiet representations of nature to bold sculptural forms. The horticultural and aesthetic characteristics of each bonsai are concisely and authoritatively described in the narrative captions by William Valavanis, head of the International Bonsai Arboretum in Rochester, New York. And because the container is considered an integral part of any bonsai—indeed, the literal meaning of “bonsai” is “tray plant”—the book also includes some twenty-five photographs of traditional bonsai containers, with descriptions. A further sequence of twenty-five photographs is devoted to the related art of suiseki, or miniature stone landscapes displayed in the same manner, and often alongside, bonsai. With his groundbreaking first book, Botanica Magnifica, Jonathan Singer established a new style of botanical photography, characterized by an exceptional clarity of detail and richness of color, as well as a painterly chiaroscuro. These qualities are just as evident in the present volume; Singer photographs each bonsai with an artist’s—one might even say a portraitist’s—eye. Whereas most books on bonsai aim to instruct readers on techniques of care and cultivation, Singer’s book takes the reader on a visual journey. His images encompass many different species, from azalea to red maple, as well as a variety of blossoms and fruits. Alluring and serene, Singer's photographs make the experience of leafing through Bonsai not unlike entering a real Japanese garden. Fine Bonsai: Art and Nature not only documents the masterpieces of an ancient horticultural art, but is a masterpiece in itself. A portion of the proceeds of this book will benefit the Japanese Red Cross.

"The ultimate truth, for anyone who takes the time to contemplate one of these works of art, is one's personal emotional response, something experienced by every member of the production team for this book. Now it's your turn!" -- Danielle Ouellet The Montr?al Botanical Garden's collections of bonsai and penjing are among the best in North America, including more than 350 trees, some dating from the 17th century. For the first time, these stylized horticultural creations have been brought together in a single volume, illuminating the evolution of the aesthetic tradition of this Asian artform. Featuring beautifully rendered photographs of many of the miniature trees in the collection, Bonsai - Penjing: The Collections of the Montr?al Botanical Garden offers an up-close view of these extraordinary specimens. Miniaturized reflections of their natural environment, these works of horticultural art translate the world views of bonsai and penjing masters from different philosophical traditions. In a few instances, they integrate contemporary North American vision of the ancient Asian traditions. Author Danielle Ouellet interviewed many of the artists who created these works, in some instances travelling to Asia to meet with some of world's contemporary masters of the art form. As a result, she brings alive an historical portrait of the art form, its underlying aesthetic principles, and an understanding of how to view and interpret the captivating living culptures of the Bonsai and Penjing traditions.

About the Book Bonsai Hawaiian Style is about creating bonsai with Hawaiian trees as well as with the classic bonsai species grown in Hawaii, and with a unique Hawaiian style that is of interest to bonsai practitioners all over the globe. The message is relevant because of the author's nearly 40 years of bonsai experience including teaching and leadership roles in bonsai clubs. This illustrated guide to bonsai in Hawaii uses Hawaiian trees as illustrative examples. Readers will be inspired to grow their own bonsai from Hawaiian trees both in Hawaii and around the world. About the Author Dr. Wagner obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1979 after serving nine years in the United States Air Force as an electronics technician. Dr. Wagner was then employed by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems at Space Park in Redondo Beach, California, from January 1980 until October 2010 when he retired and moved back to Hawaii. During his employment by Northrop Grumman, Dr. Wagner worked in spacecraft integration and testing on spacecraft programs such as DSP (Defense Support Program), TDRSS (tracking data relay satellite system), GRO (gamma ray observatory), Chandra (advanced X-ray astrophysical facility), and JWST (James Webb space telescope). He was I&T manager on project Redwood. Dr. Wagner returned to school on a Northrop Grumman Master's Fellowship, obtaining his master's degree in computer science from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1992. He went on to obtain his Ph.D. in robotics and artificial intelligence from USC in 1997. He taught computer science at USC as a Lecturer from spring of 1998 through spring of 2000. Dr. Wagner was a founding Co-Chairman of the Space Robotics Technical Committee of the Robotics and Automation Society of the IEEE. Dr. Wagner has been the President of his bonsai club in California, Dai Ichi Bonsai Kai, has been the President of the Torrance Democratic Club in California, has been a mentor for the high school competitive robotics team, Beach Cities Robotics (FRC 294), which won the FRC world championship in 2010, and is now a mentor for the Kalani High School robotics team (FRC 3008). Dr. Wagner is a member and past president of Rainbow Bonsai Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a member of the Hawaii Bonsai Association, and continues to be involved in other community service activities.

Learn to grow and care for decorative bonsai trees with this user-friendly Japanese gardening book. For those with no bonsai tree growing experience, Beginning Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Miniature Tree Growing covers everything from buying the first plant for beginning bonsai to creating a miniature landscape of rocks, grasses and trees. Authors Larry and Shirley Student describe different bonsai styles, list important tools, explain pruning and pinching and introduce procedures like defoliation. They cover all aspects of how to cultivate these miniature trees, anticipating common problems and offering practical bonsai advice gained from years of working with plants. Bonsai gardening topics include: Bonsai from different sources Choosing a bonsai site Essential techniques and materials Forests, groves, and Saikei Care of bonsai: a five-point program Root pruning and repotting Seasonal Changes Advanced Techniques Varieties of Bonsai Trees The clear, step-by-step instructions and photographs ensure that even the most inexperienced gardener will be able to start creating beautiful bonsai in no time. Despite being small, bonsai are not delicate--they are strong, hardy trees and creating them is a rewarding and inexpensive hobby that anyone can take up--even without an effortless green thumb.

Join the contemporary artists around the world who are refining and developing the ancient art of bonsai. Find out about state-of-the-art tools invented by Ken Moore. See how Rob Clausen uses latex and fiberglass to create dramatic groupings of trees on a rock base. Explore the breakthrough methods of Singapore’s bonsai masters, with inspiring examples of the results. Covering both basic and advanced techniques and illustrated with step-by-step photographs taken over months, Bonsai Master Class is designed to guide the reader on an artistic journey. It provides expert tips throughout on buying bonsai, seasonal care, horticultural requirements for different climates, and distinctive ways to display the results.