Book Description
The essential practical guide to a classic art.
Customer Reviews:
Growing Bonsai: A practical encyclopedia...........2007-09-21
On the surface this book seems to have 600 photos of trees but it repeats toward the back many of the same trees over and over. Also I hope you can read what appears to be Dutch because the first 19 pages are in that language and then the rest of the book is English! Definately a book for the dilatante or coffee table casual reader.
Beautiful as well as essential.......2007-01-07
This is a visually beautiful book that is even more valuable for its contents. A must have if you want to be inspired by beautifully photographed examples of classic trees, along with guidelines for how to begin to create trees in those style. You need to have this book if for no other reason than for the inspiration that it offers.
Customer Reviews:
a classic.......2003-09-26
First written in 1978, this is a timeless book with beautiful illustrations and careful descriptions of how things can be done. Written by a Japanese expert who spent his entire life and career to cultivating bonsai, this book contains good insights in the art.
Bonsai.......2000-03-26
This book really explained the art of bonsai. I love bonsai trees, and this book helped to understand the creation and care of such beautiful trees.
Book Description
No one knows when Hòn Non Bô., or Vietnamese miniature landscape art, began, but creating a scenic landscape in miniature has been a special pastime for Vietnamese people for hundreds of years. The duplication of nature in an artfully reduced scale is now appreciated by many Westerners as well. Lít Phan and Buller's unique new book is a comprehensive and exciting introduction to this elaborate natural art form that is akin to—but different in essential ways from—the more familiar art of bonsai.
The book begins with an introduction to the scenic highlights of the landscape and unique geography of Vietnam. Subsequent chapters provide historical details on cultural and philosophical traditions of Hòn Non Bô., followed by in-depth information of both an aesthetic and practical nature on how to create elegant and meaningful examples of miniature landscapes. The detailed text is complemented by fine color photos documenting the creative process and providing excellent samples of finished work. Both inspirational and practical, this handsome book is sure to introduce many new devotees to the art of Hòn Non Bô.
Customer Reviews:
The book that we have been waiting for.......2002-09-14
The amount of work that has gone into this excellent book shows clearly in the clear writing and great images throughout. Not everything is Bonsai now, we are learning about other cultures, and their path to what we find is a mutual interest. This is not a book about Vietnamese Bonsai at all but a book about creating landscape in miniature. Popular for many centuries but little know outside its home, Hon Non Bo is exciting in concept and immensely pleasurable in developing. Not difficult as an art form but does need this book to explain to you how to get started and how to develop your understanding of this ancient art. I enjoyed the book and found myself reaching for it a number of times this year. I recommended it to all my classes, friends and students.
Produced by one of the worlds leading Horticultural publishers, Timber Press, the guiding hand of the editor is apparent in the demand for concise and clear explanation throughout the book that reflects the quality of the rest of their excellent publications. The task was very well achieved by Lew Buller who developed and wrote the book over many years with one of Americas leading exponents in this art, Lit van Phan.
You really do need this on your bookshelf although I have a feeling it will rarely stay there.
Book Description
There's no other bonsai book like it: this magnificent guide was 30 years in the making and features beautiful natural specimens photographed over long periods of time. Dave Joyce has devoted his life to growing, researching, and photographing natural bonsai, and his wisdom and artistry are showcased in this full-color volume packed with advice and breathtaking images of trees maturing. Illustrated case histories offer details on the preferences and requirements of various species. Every task and technique is explained, from choosing a container and watering to wiring and pruning. Helpful tips explain using garden-center stock, starting trees from seed, collecting from the wild, or taking cuttings.
Customer Reviews:
Most helpful bonsai book I've seen.......2007-08-31
If you have been studying everything you can get your hands on and are looking for something beyond the basic "tree identification/how to prune" book, then this is the book for you.
This is a beautiful book that documents the author's many trees, from beginning to end, with beautiful photos and many pages of the author's tips, tricks, and experiences with each tree profiled.
I've learned more about the progression of bonsai growth from this book than all the websites/blogs/library books I've seen.
You will not regret buying this book.
If you want to become a Bonsai enthusiast.......2007-07-31
If you want to become a Bonsai enthusiast this book is for you. Everything you could ever want to know on how to care for your little trees.
One can tell that Dave Joyce has given hundreds of lectures on Bonsai and I can not think of any question that is not answered in this epic work.
The Best Bonsai book I have ever purchased........2006-11-21
As an avid gardener, but newbie to bonsai, all I can say is that this book is inspiring. I had been toying around with the thought of getting into bonsai for about 5 years. I have 5-10 books on the subject, but always felt that I didn't have all of the info. This book not only is a great how to book, but is also filled with photos of the author's beautiful trees. He does a great job showing his love for the art, and showing how you can do it also. The only thing that this book is lacking is a sequel, so I thank him and his wife for making the completion of this book a priority. It has given me the confidence to move forward!
Book Description
Writing for those with no bonsai experience, Larry and Shirley Student cover everything from buying the first plant to creating a miniature landscape of rocks, grasses and trees. In between, they describe different bonsai styles, list important tools, explain pruning and pinching and introduce procedures like defoliation. In short, the authors cover all aspects of bonsai, anticipating common problems and offering practical advice gained from years of working with plants. Kurt Seastrand, past president of the Northeast Bonsai Association raves, "A wonderful book for anyone intrigued by bonsai but hesitant to start. It provides the beginner the excitement and confidence to launch into this fascinating hobby."
Customer Reviews:
A nice overview of a complex art.......1999-08-18
A good book for someone with no bonsai experience. The authors keep the basics of bonsai simple and point the novice in the right direction. Although it would be a good reference to have handy while attempting that first Juniper, the beginner would do well to read other books before going further.
Average customer rating:
- Great 'how-to'
- Detail oriented and does a great job of explaining all facts
- Beautifully illustrated and very helpful: 4.5 stars
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The Art of Flowering Bonsai
Peter D. Adams
Manufacturer: Ward Lock Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Bonsai
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Bonsai with Japanese Maples
ASIN: 0706376250 |
Customer Reviews:
Great 'how-to'.......2001-07-20
Put this one in the category of a good 'hands-on' guide to bonsai, almost like having a master looking over your shoulder. The book offeres specific advice on care & pitfalls of ten popular species -- which is great -- but the part I value the most is the author's use of examples in showing how to create and re-design bonsai specimens.
He often begins either with carefully-selected nursery trees or with commercially produced pre-bonsai trees. This way, he tends to start with mature trunks and roots, and some branching. This is probably the best way to go when seeking to create a truly good bonsai specimen within a few years.
If you like this book, you'll probably also like Gustafson's "Bonsai Workshop," which has been particularly helpful to me with conifers, and which uses a similar project-related approach.
I'd put this book on my short list for any bonsai library, and would have given it five stars had it been longer and more detailed with general bonsai information. But fortunately, the information not found in "The Art of Flowering Bonsai" can easily be found elsewhere.
Detail oriented and does a great job of explaining all facts.......1999-10-05
I have read many books on Bonsai from various sources. This one gave me very detailed explanations on specific trees/plants. Lot of details and pictures. This is not one of those books with a bunch of good pictures and little details. Well worth the purchase.
Beautifully illustrated and very helpful: 4.5 stars.......1998-11-24
I highly recommend this book to other bonsai-ists. It's worth the price for the illustratons.
Book Description
This book is intended to give correct and practical information on the Art of Bonsai. The horticultural and artistic aspects of Bonsai are covered in depth, and the reader is also presented with knowledge of the historical and philosophical aspects of the art.Published at $29.95 Our last copies available at $14.98
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive coverage for beginners to experts.......2000-06-16
This text was the one i'd been searching for so long. I've purchased a dozen bonsai books over the years and finally found Koreshoff's book. It's straight foreward, simple, and explains so many things i'd been confused about that other bonsai books don't touch on like the philosophical purpose of the shapes of trees. Bottom line is this: you can get many bonsai books and get close to what Koreshoff has done, or you can purchase hers and be done. You won't regret it.
A compendium of practical and innovative bonsai techniques........1998-03-13
With few color photographs but many excellent line drawings and lucid writing, the author covers all the essentials. The techniques presented are both practical and innovative. The chapters on shaping, soil, and styling are exceptional. Only Naka's two volume set rivals this publication.
Book Description
A lavishly illustrated book, endorsed by six internationally recognized experts. It is likely to become a classic and will delight anyone interested in Oriental gardening, culture, and art. Penjing is the Chinese art of creating a miniature landscape in a container. Using trees, rocks, or a combination of the two, the Chinese artist seeks to express the beauty of a conceptual idea, to grant outward form to an inner vision. Penjing magically and succinctly captures the atmosphere and magnificence inherent in a natural landscape. The artist strives to express the mood and spirit observed in Nature and the emotions or morality instilled in him.
Although China is the cradle of this art and the forerunner of the more widely known art of bonsai associated with Japan, little information had been available on this time-honored Chinese art, and this is the first major work shedding light on this subject. Penjing places the art into the wider context of Chinese culture. While it was written for the bonsai and penjing enthusiast who, having mastered the basic skills of shaping and caring for miniature trees, wishes to hone his or her artistic sensitivities, the book's appeal is by no means limited to people wanting to create their own penjing. Instead, it addresses anyone interested in the Chinese experience. Any lover of Oriental gardening and any aficionado of Chinese culture and art will treasure Penjing.
Customer Reviews:
A Living Art-Form.......2007-07-16
It is a little known fact that the Chinese and not the Japanese invented Bonsai which in China is called Penjing. With a rich history dating back over 2000 years Penjing is one of China's most esteemed traditional art forms, along with Gongshi (scholar's rocks) and landscape gardens amongst others. It is an art form steeped in poetry and philosophy, borne of a deep and mystical love of the Chinese landscape. Long the exclusive domain of the literati and scholarly classes, bureaucrats, monks and the aristocracy, Penjing sadly fell out of favour in its homeland during the tumultuous last quarter of the 19th century. As with much Chinese art and architecture of the period many prime and irreplaceable examples were tragically destroyed. By the beginning of the early 20th century it was a little known and practised art form, and it had languished that way in almost total obscurity for most of that century.
Thus in the West the limelight has mainly been focused on its younger and more famous Japanese cousin Bonsai. This is understandable since most western artists working in the field have been trained in the art of Bonsai and most if not all English language books, journals or magazines on the subject have been on Bonsai as well. Unfortunately this obsession with Bonsai by the members of the vast majority of clubs or societies has resulted in many enthusiasts being shamefully ignorant of Penjing's very existence. If some have been aware of Penjing it was viewed as a footnote to the historical development of Bonsai and arrogantly dismissed or belittled. Penjing in western countries at least was considered to be rather unimportant even an irrelevant curiosity. Much to my irritation most people still refer to Penjing as "Chinese Bonsai" this is ignorant, for they are markedly different in character.
All this misunderstanding is slowly changing... In the past few decades in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan Penjing has undergone something of a resurgence, a revival of interest from academics and aficionados alike. Penjing clubs and societies have sprung up like wildfire in these countries saving this noble form of art from extinction. Finally Bonsai lovers in Western countries are beginning to take serious notice of this long neglected and refined art form. The National Bonsai Museum in Washington, for example, along with the purchase of a select collection of Penjing from an artist in Hong Kong has even in recent years changed its name to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. This is sure recognition of the highest order, and a positive sign that Penjing's fortunes have changed for the better.
With three different categories of Penjing (tree Penjing, landscape or rock Penjing and now land and water Penjing) and many regional schools and styles it is a fascinating art form. Qingquan Zhao is one of its most talented and creative exponents working today, having mastered all three categories as well as the sub-category of tree Penjing, Wenren Mu or literati style... probably the hardest and most rewarding style of tree Penjing. Mr Zhao however has a particular passion for creating aesthetically beautiful land & water Penjing that defy belief. A form of Penjing that he pioneered, at least in the modern sense for there are tantalising records of its existence in Chinese art and literature going back centuries, as this wonderful book will show. Being a mixture of tree and rock Penjing the "Penjing stylist" tries to capture and distil the essence of a natural landscape (scenic lakes with islands, meandering streams or rivers for example) using dwarf trees, mosses for grass, rocks and occasionally water in a shui pen (a ceramic tray or pot). When this is done well and with skill as is the case with Mr. Zhao, the effect is magical. This book is a portfolio of some of his most distinguished creations to date, with chapters that shed light on Penjing's important role in Chinese culture and literature.
The book also offers practical chapters on finding the right materials for creating a land and water Penjing, it shows you how to select rocks and trees, how to place and combine the various elements in a pot so that they look natural and harmonious, and how to properly display, maintain and care for your Penjing. This comprehensive volume also discusses Penjing's interrelation to its larger counterpart the classical landscape garden, and the related disciplines of landscape painting and Chinese nature poetry, which at intervals intersperses the text.
While the quality of many of the photographs in this long overdue book vary greatly (some are under or over exposed) this doesn't detract from the sheer beauty of the Penjing shown. For those who love and appreciate Bonsai, Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment will be a breath of fresh air, a revelation and a welcome glimpse into one of China's revered, and least known artistic legacies. This book is a milestone in the long and arduous journey to rehabilitate and revitalise this timeless natural art form, one that is hopefully the first of many such publications to come.
Visually inspiring.......2003-01-21
This is one of the most beautiful books you'll ever see. If you don't know what Penjing is, you're in for a real treat. Think of Bonsai; those small oriental trees. Then imagine a Chinese landscape painting represented with these small living trees as well as with rocks, moss, etc. If you are already familiar with Penjing, you will love this book for it's inspirational quality. Quingquan Zhao has masterfully composed all the dramatic pieces in this colorful book. The large, full color pictures are good enough to frame and hang on the wall. The naturally inspiring beauty of the images make this book a great candidate for a coffee table book. Techniques and descriptions given are very useful to beginners and intermediate Penjing artists, and perhaps even seasoned veterans will find something new and useful. This book is directed towards creating and displaying Penjing, with accent on the artistic aspects rather than the technical. Less attention is given to their care and maintainance. One of the treasures of my library!
Superb instruction for a non-expert.......2000-05-09
As a beginner, this book not only led me through the entire process of penjing but it taught me the philosophy of the art. I love the pictures....beautiful scenery of China as well as Chinese gardens. A great gift to share with EVERYONE who loves plants!
An informative book from an actively creative artist........1999-09-27
Succinctly descriptive thoughts on the cultural, philosophical and aesthetical perceptions of the living relationships between stone, water, plants and earth, examined both in the big context of nature and in the smaller, representative context of Penjing. This book is never a remote dirge and never from a remote master. Words herein flow from an active artist. The simple knowledge of years is put forth for all. A balance of engaging photos and words on all of the pages, with scenes of nature, gardens, Penjing, historical art and with no shortage of "how to" instructions both in visual and in word forms. Also contains a brief pronunciation guide and a chronology of Chinese dynasties.
Really beautiful art form.......1998-10-21
Who would have thought that rocks and bonsai, combined into Chinese style landscapes, could be luscious, and sensual? This is a gorgeous, gorgeous book, on a rarely-seen, elegant art form. Extensive plates, good description.
Average customer rating:
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Chinese Bonsai: The Art of Penjing
Ilona Lesniewicz , and
Li Zhimin
Manufacturer: Blandford Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
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ASIN: 0713720131 |
Average customer rating:
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Art of the Bonsai Potato Kit
Jeffrey E. Fitzsimmons
Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound
General
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ASIN: 0762418176 |
Book Description
Our Bonsai Potato takes 4 to 6 weeks to grow, versus a lifetime for a traditional bonsai tree-and the potato does all the work, since it requires no sun, water, or fertilizer. Since 2001, our Miniature Editions(tm) Bonsai Mini Kit(tm) has sold more than 800,000 copies, and the Bonsai Potato is a proven seller in gift shops around the country. This tongue-in-cheek book-plus is a humorous poke at Western culture's desire for inner peace and tranquility coupled with our desire for instant gratification and chronic lack of time. Now, at least a semblance of inner harmony can be achieved in a fraction of the time it takes to nurture a real bonsai. Potato not included.
Customer Reviews:
FUNNY! FUNNY! FUNNY!.......2003-11-07
I recently purchased the "Art of the Bonsai Potato" kit for my husband who enjoys a good laugh now and then, and he loved it. I read the book as well, and we have both began our own "Zen cultivation" operation in an unused cupboard in our kitchen. They're fun, quirky, and great for kids, too. Young and old will appreciate the quick-witted tongue-and-cheek writing in the book included in the kit, and the Bonsai Potatoes are fun and easy to grow and "maintain" with the handy-dandy clippers and tweezers included! This kit makes a superb little gifts or stocking-stuffers at Christmas (or big-money dreidel ante at Chanukah!). Also, in doing a little more research on "Potato Bonsai," I discovered even more information on this new artform on the internet! This kit is very cool, and I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor and an open mind!
Books:
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Hortica: Color Cyclopedia of Garden Flora and Indoor Plants
- How to Build Walks, Walls & Patio Floors
- How to Fail As a Therapist: 50 Ways to Lose or Damage Your Patients (Practical Therapist)
- In A Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools, and Open-Air Living Rooms
- Inspirations
- Internet Riches: The Simple Money-making Secrets of Online Millionaires
- Land Development Handbook (Handbook)
- Linnea in Monet's Garden (Linnea Books)
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