Description
Book SynopsisThe word penjing can be roughly translated from the Chinese as "potted scenery." It is the original, older form of the art of bonsai. Penjing aims to embody entire natural scenes within individual works. Penjing is sometimes described as Chinese landscape painting in three dimensions. It aims to make viewers feel as though they were really in nature, contemplating the ripples on the surface of a lake or sheltering from the sun in the shade of a tree. It is an art form that is still, yet full of dynamic energy, embodying the natural beauty of trees, stones, and water. The book gives detailed guidance and instruction to those who wish to create a vivid miniature landscape of their own. It also describes the creation process of several outstanding examples of forest penjing, with accompanying photographs from each stage of their “journey” towards completion.Meant for beginners and experts alike, the information and techniques outlined in this book can help sow the seed of a new love for penjing or to refine the craft of a seasoned penjing designer.
Table of ContentsForewordPrefaceChapter I The Beauty of Forest Penjing1. Natural and Ecological Beauty2. Poetic BeautyChapter II Techniques of Forest Penjing Production1. Types of Natural Forests2. Material Selection for Forest Penjing3. Forms of Forest Penjing4. Tools and Instruments5. Source Material Processing6. Making Forest Penjing Chapter III Artistic Principals of Forest Penjing1. Differentiating Between Primary and Secondary2. Deciding on Orientation and Angle3. Density Variation4. Leaving Blank Space5. Producing an Echoing Harmony6. Creating Harmonious Competition7. Tempering Hardness with Softness8. Balancing Light and Heavy9. Being Both Bold and Refined10. Balancing Between Concealing and Revealing11. Improving the Creator’s Comprehensive QualityChapter IV Care and Maintenance of Forest Penjing 1. Placement 2. Watering3. Fertilizing4. Pruning5. Shaping6. Repotting7. Pests and DiseasesChapter V Works of Forest Penjing1. Sunlight Slanting Through a Thin Forest (Japanese Maple)2. Spring Running Wild (Flowering Quince)3. Autumn Colors (Japanese Maple)4. Spring Blossoms and Autumn Fruits (Pomegranate)5. Dancing Mountain Forest (Trident Maple)6. Listening to Spring Water (Five-Needle Pine)Chapter VI Display of Forest Penjing1. Outdoor Display2. Indoor Display
