“The hardest thing in fashion is not to be known for a logo, but to be known for a silhouette. ”― Giambattista Valli.
Bonsai trees in winter silhouette exhibits are shown without their foliage to allow people to see the intricate trunk and branch structures. Such exhibits are uncommon, so if you see one is scheduled near you, check it out. This weekend, I went to the Baiko-En Bonsai Kenkyukai Society show, which included a whole lot of elms, zelkova, maple, oak and other deciduous trees in their dormant stage. This is, I am told, the oldest such show in the U.S.
I missed the Saturday activities, but went on Sunday, which featured Lindsay Shiba giving a short discussion and then taking guests around the exhibit room to observe, critique and explain selected trees. I'll put a gallery up later, which will show up as a link on the right column. In the meantime, here's a handful of photos.
This magnificent Chinese elm greeted visitors as they entered the showroom.
This tokonoma display featured a tree, scroll and suiseki belonging to Jim Barrett.
Rows of trees.
Some members of the club working on a foemina juniper forest, not for display in this show.
Speaker Lindsay Shiba shows guests his tree.
Harry Hirao poses with one of his oaks that were on display.
Peter Macasieb, who had some outstanding shohin in the show, looks over another exhibitor's trees.