One thing that made the recent World Bonsai Convention so special was the inclusion of collections that aren’t often displayed. One of these collections belongs to Akiei Funayama, a Fukushima-based bonsai artist.
White pine
Funayama focuses on white bonsai, as is clear from the outstanding specimens that were on display.
White pine
Multi-trunk white pine
White pine growing on a stone
Long-time readers will recognize one of these pines as the “Million Dollar Bonsai” on display at the 2011 Asia-Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention & Exhibition in Takamatsu.
Pine displayed with ceramics and awesome stone
Million dollar bonsai
You may have noticed that with the exception of the pine above, the trees in this display were shown on simple, white blocks instead of on display stands. This decision placed more emphasis on the trees and is a good alternative when display stands aren’t available, practical or desired.
Shimpaku displayed on white box
You’ll also notice that the estimated age of each tree is included on the display card. The yew below is listed as 600 years old.
600 year-old yew
The convention program included the following words from Funayama: “Watching these bonsai that have lived through nature for over 100 years teaches you how you need to live.”
Ezo spruce – 800 years old
Tsuga – 600 years old
Exposed root white pine
In the center of the display were two raised tables with viewing stones, moss, trees and white gravel. It was a nice touch.
Beautiful layout
Of course, this wasn’t the typical view of display as convention attendance was brisk.
Convention visitors enjoying the exhibit
Introduction to Bonsai at Berkeley Botanical Garden this Sunday
The University of California Botanical Garden at UC Berkeley will be hosting an introduction to bonsai this Sunday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. I’ll be providing a brief history of bonsai, an overview of contemporary bonsai practices, and a demonstration of basic techniques.
Registration is open to the public – discount rates are available for Garden members. Space is limited. To learn more or to register, visit the garden website here.
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Ann says
Where the age of the tree is noted i.e. 800 years – is this the age of the tree as a bonsai or age from seed?
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Ann – my understanding is that the trees are 800 years old. I don’t know for how long they’ve been trained as bonsai.
Jeroen M says
This must be the first time “outstanding” sounds to me like a big understatement. These pines are marvellous.
I normally read you blog on some mobile device (yeah I know, sorry) but this needed to be seen on a big screen.
Jonas Dupuich says
Ha – thanks Jeroen!
Sylvia says
Hi Jonas, I started following your posts not long ago and this is my first comment. I truly enjoy all of it and want to thank you for sharing! Keep it up … I don’t know when I will be able to attend to any of these shows and thanks to you I can at least see some marvelous specimens. Your instructional series are also very helpful … Thxs again!
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks Sylvia!
Alessandro says
Hi Jonas! I can’t see the One Million Dollar Bonsai displayed in the show: there is one similar on a rock but it don’t seems to be that one.
Tnks, Alessandro
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Alessandro – the million dollar tree is in the two photos below the pine on the rock. Hope this helps!
Alessandro says
Thank you Jonas! I totaly misunderstand your descriptions, non I got it! Sorry, thank you again!
Alessandro
Alessandro says
Non = now