Literati Style Penjing: Chinese Bonsai Masterworks

Penjing (literally tray scenery ) is a traditional Chinese art of creating miniature potted landscapes including trees and other plants, known more widely by the Japanese term, bonsai. In fact this art form was brought from China to Japan in ancient times, from where it spread to the West, and is now popular throughout the world. Literati style is a special category of penjing closely associated with traditional Chinese culture, particularly the painting of the literati, or elite scholar-bureaucrats, of imperial China. Like literati ink paintings, this style of penjing has a subtle elegance. It is distinguished by a lone, lean trunk with sparse foliage exhibiting distinct lines and simplicity. The term literati style penjing has now been widely accepted by the bonsai community. It is well suited to melding concepts from Chinese painting, poetry and Zen into a stunning bonsai work. This book explains the concept of literati style penjing, exploring its rich history and aesthetics, as well as cultivation techniques, and care and maintenance. It includes 12 examples of literati style penjing creations, which incorporate a deep knowledge of the art form together with practical creativity and artistic beauty.