The popularity of bonsai is on the rise. Following the occupation after
World War II, U.S. soldiers discovered bonsai in Japan and Ming trees in China,
buying them whenever possible. Since then, the movie Karate Kid and the economic
success of Japan have enamored Americans with all things Japanese, including the
ancient art of bonsai. Contributing to the popularity of bonsai is its
inspiration of quiet beauty and natural serenity that appeal to the nature lover
within us all. While most readers would rather style their own bonsai, almost
everyone has bought or sold a bonsai. Here are a few factors to consider which
may affect your decision.
   
    What makes a good bonsai? Most bonsai experts will agree that the
artistic merit is first and foremost. It's in the eyes of the beholder to a
certain extent. Even through the eyes of a novice, the tree should attract you,
placing you under its spell. Be careful. Once you get hooked, it may become a
passion for a lifetime. It should draw your eye over all design elements forming
the composition. It should never bore you. The tree may be graceful. It may
dance and sway to a movement captured in time. It may suggest strength, extreme
age, or the rigors of nature. It may be blown by the wind or suffered the weight
of heavy snows. You should recall in your mind's eye that ideal tree in nature.
It should be inspiring. In fact, you would experience a similar reaction when
viewing any art masterpiece. But it should also be alive and in good health.
   
    Any good tree will have the following details in its design which
contributes to the impressions above. There should be an overall triangular
outline as seen from the front, the side, and from overhead. The branch
placement is pleasing and balanced. The trunk should be widest at the base
tapering to smaller dimensions at the top of the tree. The tree should be well
groomed and well cared for. The pot should match the size, the style, and the
girth of the tree. The two most prominent species are juniper and pine, although
many other species including flowering deciduous plants are also popular. There
are many style of bonsai. Commonly seen styles include the formal upright, the
informal upright, slant style, semi- and full cascade, forest plantings, twin
trunk, raft style, landscape planting, clump style, and Literati style. More
information about the finer points of bonsai may be obtained from local bonsai
nurseries, through the annual conventions of international and regional bonsai
organizations, the many bonsai clubs throughout each state, and through classes
taught in junior colleges and adult education programs. Several national bonsai
collections are open to the public. In Washington, D.C., at the National
Arboretum, collections of the Japanese, Chinese, North American, and tropical
bonsai are on display. In Tacoma at the Weyerhauser headquarter is the Pacific
Rim collection. Exhibits by local clubs are a wonderful introduction to the art
of bonsai. In California alone, there are over 60 clubs scattered through the
state. Chances are there is literally one in your backyard. (See Calendar of
Events in this issue.)
   
    The cost of bonsai in the United States is still a very good bargain.
Prices range from $10 to $10,000. In general terms, high quality bonsai will
start at several hundred dollars on upwards. Masterpiece quality trees will be a
thousand on upwards. The price is set by the quality, the size, the scarcity of
the species, the demand, the quality of the pot, and the prestige of the
previous owner. Sometimes, bonsai are sold off to raise needed cash and may be
an excellent opportunity to acquire bonsai at bargain prices even in Japan. They
may be purchased from nurseries or from private individuals. Very little is
exported to Japan for reasons of agricultural restrictions and low demand for
non-traditional species.
   
    In contrast, however, bonsai is big business in Japan for historical and
cultural reasons. During 1992 on my second trip to Japan, I was told discretely
that the maple bonsai before my eyes was worth as much as a house! A good
masterpiece just created could go for $20,000 to $30,000. A few are priced over
$100,000. Trees which have been described in old documents are national
masterpieces and are priceless. Yearly shows are held throughout the year in
many cities to recognize masterpiece trees. The most prestigious is the
Kokufu-ten held in Tokyo in early February. Bonsai receiving awards at this show
are considered national masterpieces with commensurate prices. The master
responsible for its care will further his status and be able to charge more for
his trees and services. For the Japanese, owning bonsai is for the rich and
famous. A millionaire is more likely to own a collection of bonsai as he would a
Rolls Royce. There is an appreciation and a status associated with bonsai. Even
the Emperor (actually the Imperial Household Agency) owns a collection of
bonsai.
   
    This deep seated respect for trees is an old tradition stemming in part
from Taoist, Zen, and Shinto beliefs. A similar tradition is also celebrated in
our western tradition at Christmas, the Christmas tree. Historical records of
bonsai may be traced back to the fourth century in the scrolls of China. Bonsai
spread to Korea and into Japan by the seventh or eighth century. Numerous
references going back to tenth century Japan may be found. Today this vestige of
bonsai lives on in the style of bonsai call bunjin or !literati in reference to
one who studies these scrolls and writings of ancient times. The style which was
popularized about 150 years ago is one which emphasizes the austere and
sometimes bizarre aspects of the tree as depicted in the scrolls. (See article
by John Naka in the May/June, 1993, issue of Golden Statements for more
information about this style.)
   
    As you wander about Japan, you will soon notice small collections of
bonsai and bonsai pots on the back steps of nearly every household. With land
prices soaring in crowded metropolitan areas, a bonsai could serve as that ideal
miniature garden of serenity that soothes the soul. This appreciation for bonsai
fosters an extensive and growing bonsai business base which extends from growers
to retailers to bonsai masters at the top, with an entire supporting industry of
ceramic potmakers, tool makers, soil suppliers, and fertilizer manufacturers.
Wouldn't you wish the very best for your expensive bonsai? In general, trees are
more valued in Japan and commensurate grooming and caretaking can be lavished on
each tree simply because the trees are more highly valued. As a living art form,
each bonsai reflects the care in watering, fertilizing, shaping, repotting, and
disease control. It can only achieve its full potential when cared for by an
expert. A prized collection of bonsai in the U.S. is more likely to be cared for
by the owner. But affordable expert care is available from professionals for the
non-expert owner. In Japan, given the price of trees almost all masterpiece
trees are cared for by professionals. The owners of small collections are more
likely to see their trees at shows or special occasions.