Page 21 - BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Q1 2025

On October 31st, I traveled from Nanjing to
Liuzhou alongside Mr. Rui Xinhua, Executive
Vice President of the China Bonsai Artists
Association, and Mr. Yan Jiajie, former Director of the
Nanjing Landscaping Bureau. These esteemed figures,
each with over 40 years of experience in bonsai and
suiseki appreciation, made me feel both honored and
humbled as their younger companion.
The Essence of Landscape Bonsai
Landscape bonsai, a vital branch of bonsai art, has its
roots in China, embodying the principles of traditional
Chinese garden aesthetics. Contemporary styles, such
as the Haipai school from Shanghai, the Sichuan-
Chongqing school, and the Jiangsu regional style, have
enriched this art form. Modern techniques like “flat
perspective,” “deep perspective,” and “high perspec-
tive” emphasize depth and three-dimensionality, while
evoking profound artistic impressions. Innovation,
alongside tradition, is essential for the evolution of
landscape bonsai.
Liuzhou, with its dramatic karst topography,
resembles a natural landscape bonsai, making it a fitting
host for the inaugural BCI International Landscape
Bonsai Invitational Exhibition. The event provided a
significant platform for the exchange of ideas and the
promotion of bonsai artistry on a global scale.
A Showcase of Innovation and Tradition
The exhibition featured a diverse array of works from
across the globe, blending traditional masterpieces with
innovative creations. This harmony between tradition
and modernity underscored the healthy evolution of
bonsai as an art form. The international workshop
competition was a highlight, where participants created
pieces from their own materials, later donated to the
BCI Stone Museum.
For my contribution, I selected a Huangshan pine
planted in a Zisha pot over 50 years old. Despite its
modest size, the tree’s aged bark and compact needles
exemplified the bonsai principle of “grandness in
miniature.” Its upright trunk and elegant posture made
it an ideal candidate for a literati-style composition.
A Tribute to Jinling Bonsai
As a native of Nanjing, I infused my work with
elements of Jinling bonsai: shallow pots, exposed roots,
cloud-like forms, and natural branching structures. My
aim was to achieve a balance of “dense yet refined,” “rich
yet restrained,” and “simplicity with sophistication.”
Techniques like “drooping branches” and “floating
branches” highlighted the tree’s natural elegance,
emphasizing its resilience and grace.
During the creative process, my work drew the
attention of bonsai masters, including Taiwanese expert
Wang Zhensheng. Explaining the tree’s origins, I shared
how Huangshan pines, shaped by harsh conditions at
high altitudes, develop aged bark and compact needles,
making them ideal for bonsai.
After completing the piece, I discussed it with Mr.
Luo Zhijie, assistant to BCI President Mr. Chen Chang.
He praised the work for its artistry and noted a resem-
blance to Japanese bonsai, which opened a dialogue
about Jinling bonsai’s historical influence on Japanese
styles during the Tang Dynasty.
A Cultural Exchange
This exhibition was more than a showcase of skill; it
was a meaningful cultural exchange. I gained valuable
insights into global bonsai practices while sharing the
beauty of Chinese bonsai with an international audience.
Bonsai, with its universal appeal, bridges cultures
and fosters appreciation across borders. Participating
in this event deepened my understanding of bonsai’s
traditions and innovations, and I am grateful to have
contributed to this exchange.
As we look to the future, I hope the art of landscape
bonsai continues to flourish, inspiring creativity and
appreciation worldwide.
Luo Zhijie
praised the
work and noted
a resemblance
to Japanese
bonsai, which
opened a
dialogue about
Jinling bonsai’s
historical
influence on
Japanese styles
during the Tang
Dynasty.
January/February/March 2025 | BCI | 19