Saikei: Living Landscapes in Miniature

Saikei: Living Landscapes in Miniature
by Toshio Kawamoto HC pp.133
ISBN Nil (Published 1967)

This book is dated, so much so, it doesn't even have an ISBN number. This book was featured at Bonsai Bark. It is the following photo that captured my interest. The composition was so natural looking, I needed to see more and ordered the book from Alibris.


The trees (29) are Cryptomeria and the Suiban
measures 27x19 inches.

I have always had a deep penchant for Saikei, and have several books on the subject. What makes this book different than others? The plans for duplication!




Many folks do not believe in reproducing work that has already been created. This, for artistic reasons if nothing else. However, for those looking for inspiration there are several colour plates (similar to the one above) complete with a material listing and plans to create each landscape.

The book is broken down into 8 Chapters:

• Masterpieces (16);
• Materials and tools;
• How to plant trees;
• Use of stones and soil;
• Rock-grown Saikei;
• Raising seedlings;
• Controlling tree growth; and
• Care of Saikei.

The book is informative but dated. Newer refinement techniques have evolved. It does contain a good list of (better suited) materials to create these miniature landscapes. The artistic and aesthetic considerations to their creation is well explained, for even aspiring young enthusiasts.

I was able to acquire this hard-cover book in excellent condition for the modest price of $9.00, a pretty good investment considering the book retailed for $6.95 when first published in 1967.

Bonsai Landscapes

Bonsai Landscapes
by Peter Adams
ISBN 0706377672 HC pp 128
Published 1999
Ward Lock Wellington House

A “hard cover” book on creating bonsai landscape. This is by no means an equivalent to Qingquan Zhao’s book, but Peter provides some beautiful landscapes that one can create/duplicate with detailed plan(s) that are included in this book.

Mountains in the Sea (Ho Non Bo)

Mountains in the Sea
by Phan Van Lit
ISBN 0881925152 HC pp.232
Published 2001
Timber Press Inc.

Connaisseurs of miniature landscapes have long studied and appreciated the arts of Bonsai from Japan and Penjing from China. Until very recently, however a few outside of Vietnam have known of an equally distinguished and vibrant art form known as "Hon Non Bo", mountainous island in the sea.

While bearing some similarities to Bonsai and Penjing in its use of stone and trees, Hon Non Bo is a unique discipline influenced by the landscape of Vietnam with its mountains, coastal scenery, and lush vegetation.

A “hard cover” book depicting the methods of re-creating miniature landscapes. It goes on to describe the tools necessary to work with rocks and stones, amazingly these are not expensive or “really” specialized items. It contains a good description on how to create waterproof concrete slabs/pots, as in this particular book the use of water in the landscapes is predominant. One is not to worry; water and trees are kept separate.

Mountains in the Sea will appeal to readers of many backgrounds. Bonsai and Penjing enthusiasts will be inspired by a fresh approach to miniature landscapes presented by a master artist.

Creating Bonsai Landscapes

Creating Bonsai Landscapes
by Su Chin Ee
ISBN 1580174841 SC pp.127
Published 2003
Quarto publishing

This soft covered book features 18 miniature garden projects. It is well written but the best feature in this book are the detailed plans on how to duplicate these miniature landscapes.

The rocks were all created using a mixture of “wire grids” fiberglass cloth and cement fondue. Another thing that surprised me was the clear explanation on how to proceed from nursery bought stock, to a beautifully designed miniature trees. Having said that, the one thing the book fails to mention is the length of time to produce tree designs required for these landscapes. Because these are miniatures, the developmental period is much reduced. I believe this is a worthwhile purchase; not only will one have beautiful landscapes once completed, one can be occupied in the creation of long term projects, which is fascinating in itself. At the end of the book there is a detailed section on specific trees suitable for miniature landscapes e.g. the proper Var. of Cotoneaster, to name but one.