Hi Peter,

I'm not absolutely sure, but I think that the #75 Kokufu-ten was not in
1991, but in 2001. Also, it has been made rather clear that these prizes by
non-traditional (by Japanese standards) species were purchased. What is not
quite so clear is just how many other times awards to this or that native
Japanese tree were purchased in the past.

Aside from the corruption aspects from this show, I think it is good that
the excellent efforts of tropical bonsai artists are recognized. The idea
that Japanese species are "bonsai" while non-Japanese species are not bonsai
is utterly vacuous. What makes them bonsai is the aesthetic, not the
species nor the environment of origin.

I think that the actress in "Steel Magnolias" said it best when she said,
"If a dog gives birth to her puppies in the oven, you don't call them
biscuits."

Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
www.bonsai365.com/ :: living bonsai every day
zone 8, Texas




----- Original Message -----
From: "p.aradi"
Regarding "traditional bonsai subjects:"
The Kokufuten is about as traditional in bonsai as anything:
it is the annual grand bonsai exhibit held in Tokyo.
In the 75th anniversary edition of the show, held in 1991,
the Grand Prize was awarded to a Ficus retusa!!!
There were also several interesting entries accepted,
including 2 Gardenia jasminoides, 2 Pyracantha angustifolia,
and a Bougainvillea glabra!!!
There were also other Ficus, Camelia japonicas and assorted
non-pines, non-junipers and non-maples. :-)
Cheers.
Peter Aradi

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I am not certain, but I believe that Ficus, Serissa and Bougainvillea
may be native to Japan. Remember the island of Okinawa is tropical or
sub-topical and belongs to Japan. Mr. Takeyma, the new chairman of the
Nippon Bonsai Association travels there extensively to teach bonsai. In
the past decades there have been quite a few of these tropical species
included in the National Bonsai Exhibition. It is my thoughts that the
Nippon Bonsai Society wants to recognize that Okinawa IS part of Japan
and in order to be truly a National Bonsai Exhibition they must include
entries (if worthy enough or if the owners have enough money...) to the
show.

Bill Valavanis

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In a message dated 7/27/2003 5:31:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

I am not certain, but I believe that Ficus, Serissa and Bougainvillea
may be native to Japan.

In the case of Ficus there are so many varieties there might be a
Japanese native. But, Graf in Exotica 3 shows Bougie as native to Brazil. Graf
does list Serissa as native to Japan and China.
Billy on the Florida Space Coast

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