Schools of Bonsai: Educate Me!

JTriptow

I understand that there are some arguments being hatched out on other threads, and I have no reason to join them. However, I did read the post that mentions various schools of bonsai. It piqued my interest—not to antagonize anyone—but truly, as a beginner in bonsai, I would like to know more.

And I’m not the only one:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attila seriously, 37 schools sound really exciting to me; I wish that in another thread, when everybody is calm and friendly, you can tell us a little more about them

Is anyone feeling calm and friendly?

I am at a point where I am trying to understand everything that I read, see, and hear about bonsai. And I just cannot let the opportunity pass to ask someone, anyone, to tell me a bit more about the “schools of bonsai”. Honestly, I am still so green that I lack the basic understanding even of the difference between “bonsai” and “penjing”. (Yes, I know, Japan/China… but I know there is more to it than that).

Is anyone willing to educate me (and perhaps some other interested forum members) about this subject? Or will this stay “over my head”?

Much obliged (and interested!),

Jennifer

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Emperor Fish

Jennifer,

I don't claim to know much about the different 'schools' of penjing, but if you can get hold of Craig Coussins book 'Bonsai School', there is an interesting section on the various main 'schools' and the different types of styles employed.

That should get you started.

Regards,

Fish.

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There is also a pretty good list in The Living Art OF Bonsai by Amy Liang

Carl_Bergstrom

Jennifer,

Here's the best explanation that I know of on the web:

http://www.phoenixbonsai.com/BigPic...eseSchools.html

Hu Yunhua's books (both sadly out of print) provide a lot of pictures that illustrate these verbal descriptions.

Best regards,
Carl

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Will_Heath

Carl,

excellent, informative link, as to be expected from you. Thank you for stepping up and offering something that doesn't require running and ordering a book.

I am slightly amazed that for a topic that is being discussed, no one was able to come forth and offer any information at all about the different schools. Might as well say "that is how they grow bonsai on mars" and then refuse to comment on how you know this information.

Funny world we live in lately.

Will

Treebeard

Will, give people a chance mate! This thread is only 7 hours old, some of us have to actually make some pretence of work whilst at work... I've got a folder full of links about bonsai at home, I'm sure I can find some relevant when I get there.

Regards,

Chris.

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rockm

Sometimes actual legwork is required to learn. Expecting everyone to provide you with all the info you want with no effort on your part is a little, well, lazy.

Will_Heath

LOL,

Point taken and noted Chris.

So you actually pretend to work while you are there, now that's a strange concept, might have to give it a try. It certainly sounds better than my approach, which is to pretend like I am not at work. LOL.

Will

IsomJ1

I will second Ron's recommendation for this book. Very nice explanation as well as some accompanying photos & drawings. Good verbal description of the history. I'd highly recommend this book anyway to any newbie...being one myself!

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