Dear TBS Journal Editor, Re: "Think About It!" March 2004. by Norman Haddrick There are several excellent reference books in the TBS library, which cover the issues of Bonsai Display, including many details on the selection of appropriate pots, display stands and accent plants for various types of display. For every serious bonsai enthusiast, the essential copy of John Y. Naka's "Bonsai Techniques II", defines the subject of 'Display' and is well illustrated; Pages 356 to 394, which is mandatory reading. Deborah R. Koreshoff's book, "Bonsai, Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy" makes interesting comments on the subject; Pages 246 to 247. Bonsai magazines and other books, too many to mention, in graphic ways, address the subject of Bonsai Display. The Nippon Bonsai Society photographic books of their formal displays, set the global standards. It is incumbent upon all students of bonsai, when reading any bonsai publication, and while admiring the photographs of displayed bonsai, to understand why they like or dislike a particular presentation, and to become aware of the components of each presentation, and to understand how and why they all balance and harmonize to bring the bonsai into prominence. If a bonsai is worthy of public display, it means that many hours, and usually many years, have been spent in its care and cultivation to bring it to display quality. The owner is justifiably proud of his creation, or of his refinement of nature's creation. To simply place this tree onto a flat 30" high table top, will never do justice to the results of his time and effort, nor will it bring the full artistic value of the bonsai to the attention of a viewer. Recognize that, when we say 'Bonsai', we describe a tree, which is admired for its form, and is growing in a container that is selected to be in total harmony with the colour, texture, dimension and form of that tree. Other components used in a formal display of bonsai are, a display stand or small table, a complimentary accent piece of either a potted plant or a viewing stone, with its own stand, and perhaps also, a background scroll. All of these component parts must come together in a visual balance, and in harmony with the bonsai in colour, texture, dimension and form. We can now add the element of space, placement of these components relative to the bonsai. The sole purpose of the components is to bring a prominent focus to the bonsai on display. The primary function of a display stand or table is to raise the bonsai from the tabletop to bring it more prominently into view. Bonsai should be viewed from the middle. After all, it is from this central viewpoint that the artist created the form of the tree. When a viewer bows to view the middle of the bonsai on display, he is honouring both the tree and the artist. If a display table is oversized, or brightly coloured, or ornately carved or designed, it will visually dominate and detract from the bonsai. Similarly, if the accent plant or viewing stone is too large, or badly positioned, that too can disturb the visual balance of the composition, and draw the eye away from the bonsai. Visual harmony, subtlety and good taste will prevail. The following images from bonsai calendars do provide a stimulus for discussion, and for your consideration. Regards Norman Haddrick