Referring to the companion pieces at fine exhibits as “accents” doesn’t always do them justice. Using the Japanese “kusamono” isn’t much better as the term translates directly to “grass-” or “weed-thing.”
Accents can provide color, add interest to displays and indicate the season. They can also be compelling artistic creations on their own. Here are a handful of the wonderful accents on display at this year’s Taikan-ten.
Chojubai on a stone
Selaginella and grass
Chojubai on a stone
Fern – Pyrrosia sp.
Selaginella and fern – Pyrrosia lingua var. ogon nishiki
Fern – Davalia sp.
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bonsai eejit says
December 15, 2015 at 5:11 amReblogged this on Bonsai Eejit.
Nicola "Kitora" Crivelli says
December 15, 2015 at 6:00 amReblogged this on Kitora no do and commented:
elementi d’accompagnamento
Sage Smith says
December 15, 2015 at 6:12 amWonderful kusamono!!! Thanks for sharing
Zach says
December 15, 2015 at 7:43 amDo you know what type of ferns are in the fourth and fifth photos?
Jonas Dupuich says
December 15, 2015 at 10:12 amHi Zach – the fifth, and likely the fourth, are Pyrrosia. I’ve filled in what I can above.
japanesepots says
December 15, 2015 at 10:46 amShitakusa?
vonsgardens says
December 15, 2015 at 12:57 pmWow!
Bruce says
December 15, 2015 at 2:41 pmIs there word that works for you?
Jonas Dupuich says
December 15, 2015 at 5:03 pmGood question – I have yet to find a better term than accent. I use the term companion on occasion but typically prefer accent.
japanesepots says
December 16, 2015 at 9:12 amJonas, when used as an “accent” in a display with a bonsai, isn’t the proper term in Japan “Shitakusa”?
That’s the one I always preferred.
Shitakusa-“Undergrass” or “Under growth”
Jonas Dupuich says
December 16, 2015 at 1:21 pmThat’s exactly right, shitakusa when displayed with bonsai – the case here – and kusamono when displayed on their own. Then there’s kokedama, the “moss balls,” which are sometimes similar. Thanks for the tip!
Zach says
December 15, 2015 at 4:29 pmThanks Jonas! I’ll be on the lookout for some of those.