 | | | | Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment: A Journey Exploring an Ancient Chinese Art and Its History, Cultural Background, and Aesthetics |  | List Price: $29.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  (based on 5 reviews)
Sales Rank: 1246897
Category: Book
Author: Zhao Qingquan
Publisher: Venus Communications Llc
Studio: Venus Communications Llc
Manufacturer: Venus Communications Llc
Label: Venus Communications Llc
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Pages: 144
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.2
Dimensions (in): 11.3 x 9.8 x 0.6
ISBN: 0965529703
Dewey Decimal Number: 635.9772
EAN: 9780965529709
ASIN: 0965529703
Publication Date: September 1997
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
A lavishly illustrated book, endorsed by six internationally recognized experts. It is likely to become a classic and will delight anyone interested in Oriental gardening, culture, and art. Penjing is the Chinese art of creating a miniature landscape in a container. Using trees, rocks, or a combination of the two, the Chinese artist seeks to express the beauty of a conceptual idea, to grant outward form to an inner vision. Penjing magically and succinctly captures the atmosphere and magnificence inherent in a natural landscape. The artist strives to express the mood and spirit observed in Nature and the emotions or morality instilled in him. Although China is the cradle of this art and the forerunner of the more widely known art of bonsai associated with Japan, little information had been available on this time-honored Chinese art, and this is the first major work shedding light on this subject. Penjing places the art into the wider context of Chinese culture. While it was written for the bonsai and penjing enthusiast who, having mastered the basic skills of shaping and caring for miniature trees, wishes to hone his or her artistic sensitivities, the book's appeal is by no means limited to people wanting to create their own penjing. Instead, it addresses anyone interested in the Chinese experience. Any lover of Oriental gardening and any aficionado of Chinese culture and art will treasure Penjing.
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| Customer Reviews:
 A Living Art-Form July 16, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It is a little known fact that the Chinese and not the Japanese invented Bonsai which in China is called Penjing. With a rich history dating back over 2000 years Penjing is one of China's most esteemed traditional art forms, along with Gongshi (scholar's rocks) and landscape gardens amongst others. It is an art form steeped in poetry and philosophy, borne of a deep and mystical love of the Chinese landscape. Long the exclusive domain of the literati and scholarly classes, bureaucrats, monks and the aristocracy, Penjing sadly fell out of favour in its homeland during the tumultuous last quarter of the 19th century. As with much Chinese art and architecture of the period many prime and irreplaceable examples were tragically destroyed. By the beginning of the early 20th century it was a little known and under practised art form, it languished that way in almost total obscurity for most of that century.
Thus in the West the limelight has mainly fallen on its younger and more famous Japanese cousin Bonsai. This is understandable since most Western artists working in the field have been trained in the art of Bonsai and most if not all English language books, journals or magazines on the subject have been on Bonsai as well. Unfortunately this "obsession" with Bonsai by members of the vast majority of clubs or societies has resulted in many enthusiasts being ignorant of Penjing's very existence. If some have been aware of Penjing it was viewed as a footnote to the historical development of Bonsai and arrogantly dismissed or belittled. Penjing in Western countries at least was considered to be rather unimportant even as an irrelevant curiosity. Much to my irritation most Westerners still refer to Penjing as "Chinese Bonsai" this is a gross mistake, for they are markedly different in character. All this misunderstanding is slowly changing... In the past few decades in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan Penjing has undergone something of a resurgence, a revival of interest from academics and aficionados alike. Penjing clubs and societies have sprung up like wildfire saving this noble form of art from an ill-deserved fate. Finally Bonsai lovers in Western countries are beginning to take serious notice of this long neglected and refined art form. The National Bonsai Museum in Washington for example, along with the purchase of a select collection of Penjing from an artist in Hong Kong has in recent years even changed its name to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. This is sure recognition of the highest order, and a positive sign that Penjing's fortunes have changed for the better.
With three different categories of Penjing (tree Penjing, landscape or rock Penjing and now land and water Penjing) and many regional schools and styles it is a fascinating art form. Qingquan Zhao is one of its most talented and creative exponents working today, having mastered all three categories as well as the subcategory of tree Penjing, Wenren Mu or literati style... probably the hardest and most rewarding style of tree Penjing. Mr. Zhao however has a particular passion for creating aesthetically beautiful land and water Penjing that defy belief. A form of Penjing that he pioneered, at least in the modern sense for there are tantalising records of its existence in Chinese art and literature going back centuries, as this wonderful book will show. Being a mixture of tree and rock Penjing the "Penjing stylist" tries to capture and distil the essence of a natural landscape (scenic lakes with islands, meandering streams or rivers for example) using dwarf trees, mosses for grass, rocks and occasionally water in a shui pen (a marble, ceramic tray or pot). When this is done well and with skill as is the case with Mr. Zhao, the effect is magical. This book is a portfolio of some of his most distinguished creations to date, with chapters that shed light on Penjing's important role in Chinese culture and literature. The book also offers practical advice on finding the right materials for creating a land and water Penjing; showing you how to select the rocks and trees, and how to place and combine the various elements in a pot so that they look natural and harmonious. It also shows you how to properly display, maintain and care for your Penjing. This comprehensive volume also discusses Penjing's interrelation to its larger counterpart, the Chinese landscape garden and the related disciplines of landscape painting and nature poetry, which at intervals intersperse the text.
While the quality of many of the photographs in this long overdue book vary greatly (some are under or over exposed) this doesn't detract from the sheer beauty of the Penjing shown, indeed their beauty shines through. For those who love and appreciate Bonsai, Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment will be a welcome breath of fresh air with its glimpse into one of China's revered, and least known artistic legacies. This book is a milestone in the long and arduous journey to rehabilitate and revitalize this timeless natural art form, and one that is hopefully the first of many such publications to come.
Visually inspiring January 20, 2003
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is one of the most beautiful books you'll ever see. If you don't know what Penjing is, you're in for a real treat. Think of Bonsai; those small oriental trees. Then imagine a Chinese landscape painting represented with these small living trees as well as with rocks, moss, etc. If you are already familiar with Penjing, you will love this book for it's inspirational quality. Quingquan Zhao has masterfully composed all the dramatic pieces in this colorful book. The large, full color pictures are good enough to frame and hang on the wall. The naturally inspiring beauty of the images make this book a great candidate for a coffee table book. Techniques and descriptions given are very useful to beginners and intermediate Penjing artists, and perhaps even seasoned veterans will find something new and useful. This book is directed towards creating and displaying Penjing, with accent on the artistic aspects rather than the technical. Less attention is given to their care and maintainance. One of the treasures of my library!
Superb instruction for a non-expert May 9, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
As a beginner, this book not only led me through the entire process of penjing but it taught me the philosophy of the art. I love the pictures....beautiful scenery of China as well as Chinese gardens. A great gift to share with EVERYONE who loves plants!
An informative book from an actively creative artist. September 26, 1999
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Succinctly descriptive thoughts on the cultural, philosophical and aesthetical perceptions of the living relationships between stone, water, plants and earth, examined both in the big context of nature and in the smaller, representative context of Penjing. This book is never a remote dirge and never from a remote master. Words herein flow from an active artist. The simple knowledge of years is put forth for all. A balance of engaging photos and words on all of the pages, with scenes of nature, gardens, Penjing, historical art and with no shortage of "how to" instructions both in visual and in word forms. Also contains a brief pronunciation guide and a chronology of Chinese dynasties.
Really beautiful art form October 20, 1998
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
Who would have thought that rocks and bonsai, combined into Chinese style landscapes, could be luscious, and sensual? This is a gorgeous, gorgeous book, on a rarely-seen, elegant art form. Extensive plates, good description.
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