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The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum was founded after a gift of 53 bonsai from Japan to the U.S. in 1976. The century-old National Arboretum itself attracts half a million visitors visitors annually, seeing 16,000 varieties of plants in its 446 acres. The book enters a tiny world in such a large space. The main difference between bonsai and Penjing is that bonsai focuses on individual trees, while penjing focuses on entire scenes.
Stories of the individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as well as the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms. This book is a fine overview of the history of the collection borne through diplomacy and symbolism.
When I started writing about gardening, the editor told us not to go down the bonsai cul de sac. That was for collectors only and you shouldn't be drawn in. Bonsai is more mainstream now. Lockdown meant indoor plants boomed, including niches such as bonsai. This means a book that goes beyond the 'how to' has value.
This wonderfully illustrated book focusses on the stories associated with the trees themselves rather than the practicalities of bonsai cultivation. As such the book helps the reader appreciate the art.
The book gives a unique perspective because it is specifically about the national collection in the US capital.
Well worth a visit, and a read. It's a whole new world.
