Readers comment...

“Penjing – a Chinese Renaissance” is a breath of fresh air! The recognition and respect for penjing is indeed long overdue. It is fascinating to learn about the historical and cultural transmission and contribution of Chinese arts and culture to Japan. "What is penjing?" is a question often asked but few could articulate so well as Karin did in answering. It is from her years of immersion in the Chinese culture and experience in studying with China’s penjing masters that allow the author to speak with authority and understanding of penjing. “To go beyond the superficial of copying other artists' works, one needs to acquire a bit of depth in appreciating Chinese traditional culture and arts.” I cannot agree with this more, for slavishly adhering to techniques alone without cultural and artistic understanding would be like a robot dancing mechanically without a soul."
Camilla Ng, Arlington, VA

"While reading Penjing: A Chinese Renaissance, I was struck by how much fresh information was being distributed. Thank you! In decades of bonsai journal literature, there are only a few articles on bonsai history that continue to be referenced. This is an important addition to a very short list."
Chris C. Cochrane, VA
Secretary, National Bonsai Foundation

"An article like this by someone who knows what they are talking about is I believe really needed and I might add a long tome coming. I expect given your readership at least some will not take it very seriously or even find it offensive. I have a number of good friends who sincerely believe that if it isn't according to the Japanese canon it isn't Bonsai. Fortunately as you know I was trained by a maverick, self taught but highly accepted Master, Fr Paul of happy memory. I could write a very interesting article on him someday as was a very strong believer in Bonsai as a living art form which could not be bounded by particular traditions no matter how ancient. In any case thank you for stepping out and publishing this. I think you are doing a great service".
Francis-Michael
Bonsai By the Monastery, GA

"The article by Karin Albert is outstanding. I had been interested in Far Eastern Art, Culture and Philosophy for 20 years before I came to Bonsai. To discuss the different aesthetics of China and Japan in terms of bonsai is highly overdue and Karin has the experience, knowledge and the gift to put it into words. I have been to China many times and am fascinated by penjing, both as landscapes and as single trees. Of course not every Chinese is an expert, but penjing at it's best has a total impact on your heart and soul which is rarely found in Japanese trees which address your mind, they are either abstract sculptures which lack reality in nature or horticultural masterpieces which lack life".
Siggy Franz, South Africa

"Have just finished reading your 98th issue for the 3rd time, because I wanted to be sure I had all of Karin Albert's article. It is the first article on Chinese penging that I have seen that offered an understanding of the culture behind the penging art and I want to see more of her studies and experience. Perhaps her American background melded with her Chinese studies will result in an exposition I can understand.
It may be that "ART" is not easily explained , especially to an engineer, but Karin seems to offer an opportunity. Please keep her coming.
Max

Your article in "Bonsai Today" was excellent and enlightening - one of the best articles they've run. I'm looking forward to more.
James Scott, CA