A few days ago someone on this forum (forgive me for not recalling his name) made a remark that John Naka in his highly acclaimed bonsai manual never really referred to bonsai as an artform. He concluded that John therefore was not an artist in the strict sense of the word.

This got me thinking. Why is it indeed that John almost completely ignored this issue during his long and inspiring life? Further investigating this puzzling and mysterious phenomenon, it dawned on me that articles and manuals originating from Japan have the same stance: no mention of bonsai as art.

Now, I know that at this point some people are already running for their life, for fear that they just stumbled upon another art thread. But, for anyone who are interested in Japanese bonsai, this is an important question:

How come that the Japanese don't use the word art when referring to bonsai? My question refers to those Japanese masterpieces that are highly artistic. I am not talking about mediocre trees made for export. I am referring to those trees that display artistic abilities second to none when compared to any bonsai around the world. Even when showing these trees, they never mention the word "art". Isn't that puzzling?

I have my own theory about this, but I would like to know the answer from our members here on this forum.

Matt, I am not sure that I posted this in the right section. Please move it if need be.

Attila, that is a thoughtful and interesting post, but I do disagree. Having just received "Bonsai with American Trees", 1975, by Masakuni Kawasumi, the second paragraph of the introduction (by Teisuke Takahashi, who was Vice Pres. of the Japan Bonsai Assoc.) says "I am sure that bonsai fans in the United States will regard this publication as a "bible" of the art".... a few paragraphs down, "These tools have contributed greatly to the advance and development of the art"... (Mr. Kawasumi's father invented several of the tools we use now) And finally, "I am, therefore, fully convinced that readers will now find the art of bonsai much easier as well as more enjoyable".

In the Intro by the author, He refers to "this ancient and traditional art"... many times.

Not to quarrel, but having read your post and then just sat down to enjoy the book, the coincidence was striking.

Joanie

Oh, and as to why it is not generally referred to as "art", if indeed that is so? Perhaps because the Japanese philosophy assumes art. They teach craft, as is evidenced by the long apprenticeships that the Japanese bonsai masters are expected to go through. They teach craft and assume art from that craft. It would be like saying that they expect the trees to live. Not something worth mentioning because it is inherent in their view.

Just my opinion.

Joanie

You are right, Joanie, they do occasionally mention art, especially when talking to Westerners. I wanted to edit my post, mentioning that, since I knew that somebody will come up with examples where they do mention the word art.

But my point was that in contrast with our on-going discussions here in the West about art and bonsai, in Japan this is practically a non-issue.

I don't want to give my opinion on the matter yet, but I think you've touched on an important point somewhere in your post.

Regards,
Attila

Maybe the Japanese just aren't as hung up on what constitutes bonsai art, and bonsai artists. They know the difference between a retail gimmick, and a cultural treasure, and so don't have to constantly argue the point.

I share Joanie's attitude that, in fact, there is a lot of evidence that the Japanese do speak of bonsai as an art form. Many early publications speak of bonsai 'art'. (I do realize that the translator has some latitude in how words and concepts are translated.)
Bijutsu Bonsai Zu (Artistic Bonsai in Painting / Catalog of Bonsai Art), 1881
Ushimaro, Sawada Bonsai Geijyutsu (The Fine Art of Bonsai); 1934.
Yuji Yoshimura The Art of Bonsai 1957
Kyuzo Murata Bonsai: Miniature potted trees 1964
"Bonsai of the best kind can be fully appreciated, much as painting or sculpture, for their elegance as...art"
Norio Kobayashi Bonsai-Miniature potted trees 1950
"In its broad sense a bonsai is no doubt a kind of potted plant, but it definitely differs from the latter in being a work of art, a fact which is universally admitted"
He goes on to describe the early (1934) Ueno exhibitions at the Art Gallery in Ueno park, ultimately known as the Kokufu Bonsai Exhibitions, which today are held at the prestigious Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Here's a recent page from Tokyo Art Beat which listed the most recent Kokufu exhibition.
John

Art, perfection, and discipline used to be a way of life. In the old Japan everything was art, from serving tea, to loosing an arrow, to drawing a sword, everything was taken to it's most perfect level and in that, art was found.

To suggest that the inventors of traditional display and Tokonomas did not think of art is slightly off the mark, to say the least.

"If want to hit the target, aim at your heart, aim for perfection. Find the art and the arrows will find the target."

- Sensei "Tom" - Kyudo instructor

Anyone wishing to actually find the answer to this question must purchase /rent/ steal/ borrow a DVD by "Shinji Suzuki: Works of Divinity"

After watching this wonderful DVD, written and produced as a chronicle on one year in the life of the last student of Hamano, you will understand this enigma.

Thanks, Al

That is a wonderful DVD!


I think one can find an answer when one considers how inseparable are Japanese art and the Japanese view of Nature. The portrayal of Nature has long been the focus of Japanese art, from early Buddhist art that referenced Man's interaction with the natural world.

"...the Japanese do not value a work of art merely as a product of human artistry and technical skill. Nor do they look upon artworks as objects created for sensual enjoyment. In the Japanese aesthetic, a work of art is created fundamentally as a suggestion of the greater realm of nature, providing a means by which a person, by gazing upon the work or taking it in the hand, can come to appreciate great truths that otherwise are beyond human ken. "

I refer interested individuals to read a paper (Setsugekka - Japanese Art and the Japanese View of Nature) by Professor Isamu Kurita at a 1995 exhibit of MOA Museum of Art: Sun, Moon and Flowers (The Japanese View of Nature)

I could paraphrase it, but not do it justice. I think it gives a good insight into the Japanese view of Art and Nature, and their inseparable relationship. By extension, bonsai is a good example of an artistic portrayal of nature...a concept perhaps so ingrained that it doesn't need to be debated ad nauseum.


Or, perhaps, they have realized it's not art at all...merely a mathematics/mechanical engineering exercise!