by Ross Clark

The Sabi Bonsai Kai (roughly translated as the society for old and elegant bonsai) was organized for the sole purpose of conducting an annual display of distinguished bonsai from the mid-south region. The society is constituted of friends, students and associates of Warren Hill, sensei at Tree-Haven School of Bonsai, in Greeneville, Tennessee.

The first exhibit by Sabi Bonsai Kai took place on May 22-23, in the civic center in central Asheville, North Carolina. The group plans to make it an annual event, in the same place, on the same weekend each year (the weekend before Memorial Day). I was fortunate to be able to visit the inaugural exhibit.

Photographs were not permitted, so you have only my paltry and inadequate description of what occurred. This year’s exhibit consisted of about 110 bonsai, ranging from mame to about 4 feet tall. Most of them were at an advanced stage of development, were excellently designed, and appeared to have been in the care of their owners for a considerable length of time. A few specimens were young. There was good variety. However, by my count, only seven native American species were represented in the exhibit (less than 10% of trees on display). Also, there were unfortunately a (very) few misidentifications, wrong species names, which should never occur in an exhibit at this level. One individual’s trees were present in high frequency (a whole row of them, one after another), which did not add much value to an exhibit where human egos should be suppressed. There were several impressive group plantings. Inconspicuously brooding over the entrance to the exhibit was a classic, beautiful ponderosa pine, estimated to be more than 400 years of age. There were no vendors and only a $5 daily admission fee.

The presentation was excellent. Trees were displayed at an appropriate table height, with individual stands, companion plants (every bonsai had a companion plant or viewing rock), and blue backdrops on top of the tables. Display tables were covered and skirted with white. High quality grooming and container preparation was standard. The one factor which I felt detracted from the exhibit was less than adequate lighting in the interior of the display room. The room is used as a banquet room, and was not designed with strong lighting in mind. Nevertheless, there was enough light to examine all plants carefully, just not quite enough to make the character of some of the plants really shine forth. Also, maybe a little Zen meditation music in the background could have enhanced the ambience.

Since all entries to the show were essentially by invitation, the show was judged, but not judged competitively. Mel Ikeda of Costa Mesa, California, judged the show, using a standard numerical score and comment sheet. Exhibitors trailed him as a group, so that all could benefit from his oral comments and suggestions as he considered every tree. Most of the relatively few awards given were for outstanding tree or outstanding overall composition. One of the most memorable compositions for me was a Japanese maple displayed with companion blooming Saxifraga stolonifera (strawberry saxifrage) against an elegant folding screen backdrop. The tree was nice but not highly distinguished, but the harmonious impact of the overall design was truly inspiring.

Warren Hill conducted informative demonstrations each day. Saturday’s demo was on pine de-candling (Sensei Hill was assisted by Matt Ouwinga of Chicago), and Sunday’s demo was the initial design of a satsuki azalea into bunjin style (assistant was Chris Jackson of Chattanooga). Sensei Hill was approachable and open to questions of all sorts, during the demos and at other times. There also was ample opportunity to chat with the individual exhibitors. I think everyone at the show brought away not only memories of spectacular trees, but new knowledge about some technique or another, or insights into the culture of a species or two.

According to Warren Hill, the Sabi Bonsai Kai exhibit is intended to represent the highest level of bonsai artistry in the mid-south. “Mid-south” was used in a rather general sense, without specific boundaries. The organizers and exhibitors involved with this show expended very considerable expense and effort, all to show people and each other how inspirational bonsai can be, and how extra careful effort can convert nice trees into highly memorable trees. Many of us should be watching carefully.

Imagine the genuine privilege of unhurriedly viewing a large roomful of excellent bonsai for hours, merely for the price of a hamburger. At many times the price, it would be a bargain. Our region has really needed a show of this calibre. Now we have one. You should see it next year, before it becomes crowded—because it eventually will. They have built it, and people will come. My experience at the show brought to me yet again the unspeakably profound feelings stimulated by bonsai practice and contemplation, the greatest gift of bonsai.

Enough of that philosophical stuff! On a practical level, in my opinion, anyone involved in organizing bonsai exhibits or aspiring to show trees should try their best to attend this show in its future incarnations. If you react the way I have, attending this show will remind you what you must do if you are serious about bonsai, and about promoting bonsai as a true art form. Sabi Bonsai Kai has set a standard worthy of emulation More information about Warren Hill and Tree-Haven School of Bonsai is available on the web.

Thanks to Sabi Bonsai Kai, and thanks, Sensei Warren.