[IBC] Heritage bonsai, archives & pools of influence [ [IBC] NABF Newsletter]
 

Hi Scott.

Thanks for your initiative. A number of folks have talked about bonsai of
distinction being passed down with care through earlier teachers to students
that have become teachers. The term "heritage" bonsai is an interesting
choice-- are you following the model of another set of " 'heritage'
things"-- e.g., trres, roses, historic homes or something else-- in your
thinking? Go for the BCI article, but pleae report here, too.

After an IBC thread a couple of years ago, several correspondents discussed
identifying sensei "students" in California and North American teachers of
bonsai elsewhere to see where the pools of influence began, developed and
mixed. John Naka & Vaughn Banting are among teachers whose influence is
easily traced to a group of influential students now affecting other
students. A few tracks certainly go back to teachers in Japan-- Yuji
Yoshimura crossing the N.A./Japan border. It would seem a model could
easily be drafted (pools overlapping pools) of the teachers and their
students... and in some cases the movement of bonsai or related objects
could be traced. What are the "cultural icons" for the bonsai community
among American bonsai objects?

Mike Page and I discussed archival records related to aging bonsai masters
that could easily be dispersed or lost. Mike spoke with Chairman Seiji
Shiba of GSBF's North Collection. What I heard re' archiving priorities at
the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum suggested the Museum needed a better
space for archiving. More recently, the Museum hired a curator for the
library and archives. If someone in Chicago is looking at "heritage"
bonsai or archival records of bonsai heritage seriously, their networking
with others would be appreciated to see historical records are not lost.
Are you the sparkplug?

There is no reason for IBC not to be a leader in identifying masters, their
students & bonsai or archival material of significance. We might have some
concern with individuals or groups making exclusive identifications being
influenced by personal & institutional affiliations.

Best wishes,
Chris... C. Cochrane, , Richmond VA USA

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++