In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington, D.C., this exquisite book tells the awe-inspiring stories of bonsai and penjing trees in the renowned collection of the National Arboretum and their critical role in international diplomacy and as a vehicle for American presidential influence.
An extensive, first-hand account by the former director of the Arboretum, Dr. John L. Creech, details the extraordinary gift of 53 bonsai from Japan to the United States in 1976, which prompted the founding of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Stories of the individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as well as the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms— visionaries such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu. The inclusion of bonsai and penjing in world’s fairs and in notable gardens throughout the United States, the extensive cultivation of bonsai in North America today, and the remarkable evolution of the National collection are also highlighted in this fascinating volume.
Bonsai and Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace & Beauty is certain to delight anyone intrigued by these living works of art and curious about the stories they bring to life.
