Good question,Nic. I believe the essential difference is the national
character of the two countries. The Chinese translate penjing as "artistic
potted tree", while the Japanese use "tree in a tray (or pot)". It is
almost tantamount to saying that the Japanese feel that one can approach
perfection by following a precise set of rules, while the Chinese place
their emphasis on artistry and are less constrained by rules. Hence we find
less emphasis on taper, one-two-three branch placement, and ramification in
penjing - and more such emphasis in bonsai. This is not to say that the
Chinese ignore the rules all together. In fact, there is much
cross-pollinization between the two cultures. I urge you to compare the
photos of Wu Yee-Sun in his "Man Lung Garden Artistic Pot Plants" with
those of Mr. Masahiko Kimura in "The Bonsai Art Of Kimura" to see for
yourself what I'm trying to say. There is no distinct line of demarkation
between the two styles, but there is a definite difference of approach.
Therefore, I cannot, in all honesty, give you a three-point answer to your
question. We, in the Occidental world, have the privilege of drawing upon
both cultures in developing our own artistic standards.
Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nicolas Steenhout"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 3:10 AM
Subject: [IBC] Penjing vs Bonsai


Other than knowing that one is from China, the other Japan, I appear to be
unable to tell just by looking at it which one is which. I have seen many
Penjing (including owning the "world of wonderments"). I have seen many
bonsai.

What would you say would be the top 3 (concrete?) things that define the
difference between Penjing and Bonsai, that would let a relative newbie
identify it?

Cheers

Nic


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