On my way back from the one of the many local fruit stands, I walked through the local watering whole in the city and to my surprise and complete pleasure I came across a Bonsai festival and convention taking place in the center public median.
Hundreds of beautiful bonsai plants, potted plants, mosses, grasses and flowers lined this public space in a wonderfully composed and organized manner.
The bonsai the gentleman in the photo is arranging is one that kept my attention. The craftsman skillfully arranged the tree to grow atop of a stone which I presume he must have hollowed out in order for the tree to be embedded in soil. Alternatively, it wouldn't surprise me if the this particular tree could grow with a shallow to no soil bed as it may have a very compact root ball.
Azabu Juban Bonsai & Greenery Fair website
http://jurian.or.jp/
The tranquility and emotion depicted in this video I thought matched the ambiance of the public median perfectly today.
What struck my attention was the most expensive trees were not only the largest, but also the most knurled, twisted and seemingly mangled trees. I can only assume this is because of the love the Japanese culture has for nature and the wabi-sabi. An understanding that nothing is perfect and that permanence is thinking in-wholistically. Basically foolish to think that perfection is actually obtainable. The beauty of these trees lies in the energy, care and composition the craftspeople give to the little ones.
The trees with the widest trunk, most foliage, most stumpy seem to speak the wisdom imparted in them.
In addition to the bonsai with the rock base this beauty struck me as one of the better composed and elegant pieces (all in my personal opinion of course). I know I know, the image suck...I'll touch it up in a bit to make the piece really shine.
These beauties here were on show and judged earlier in the day.
Opmerkingen