Bonsai and Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace & Beauty

Description

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.

Ann McClellan is delighted to add Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace, From the Collection of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum U.S. National Arboretum Washington, D.C. to her previously published books about the flowering cherry trees of Washington, D.C.: Cherry Blossoms and The Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Celebration. All three books reflect the lifelong love of trees that she developed while growing up in New Jersey on an arboretum-like campus laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted. Her professional career has included executive positions at nonprofit organizations, such as the Smithsonian Institution, World Wildlife Fund, and the American Association of Museums. She treasures the living collections of the National Museum of Bonsai & Penjing as profound expressions of the best that people together with nature can create.

"This book would be a good coffee-table piece, a great addition for anyone interested in bonsai trees or plant history, or a souvenir from the National Arboretum." --Washington Gardener magazine "It's a beautifully photographed book...the bonsai pictures are clear, the text is well written...and the story is riveting." --Adam's Art and Bonsai Blog "There is plenty of history for those who are interested. Of course, at the heart of the book are the exquisite photographs of these living masterworks, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the Washington museum that makes them accessible to visitors from around the world." --Retailing Insight magazine