Here is a short list of special Shohin books I have on my bookshelf
Not all the books I have are shown here, but the ones that concentrate on Shohin-Bonsai, and that I find good for inspiration. Most are in Japanese, which I do not understand, but I am able to translate the pictures, if you know what I mean.
Others are in English, and are full of inspiration and information. So far the English titled books are very few or not complete. I do hope, in all humility, that my own book about Shohin will fill in some holes about this subject.
The first book I will like to present is The Modern Bonsai, edited by Junsun Yamamoto and published by Creo Corporation. This is a collection of many Shohin-Bonsai shown in 1/100 Scale. Pictures and few words of introduction to the chapters. The book is divided in chapters with conifers, deciduous, flowering and fruit bearing Shohin-Bonsai, as well as a chapter with displays. All beautifully and simple photographed for inspiration and joy. This book I am frequently using to find inspiration or reading just for the joy of it.
This is a book I bought in Japan. It is not available (I believe) through Internet but I want to show it if you go to Japan, or somehow can get your hands on it.
I can not give any information of publisher i.e. because it is all in Japanese letters. It doesn’t matter though, because my point is that you don’t need to read it, you just have to see the pictures and you will get the inspiration and joy from it. I use this book often, just to remember the joy of the aesthetics and relaxed approach to the art of Shohin-Bonsai, and at the same time the dedication to this art form, which I find this book shows so well through the layout and the pictures.
Another book, purchased in Japan in a Tokyo bookstore, also written in pure Japanese, is a book that covers the basics of Shohin. Clear picture advises are given. For me, the important thing is, that this book confirms what I knew, that Shohin-Bonsai is a about the beauty of the small trees and the seasonal approach. Clearly passed on with enthusiasm by the author. I love this book, just for its approach even though I am not able to read the words written in Japanese. The pictures are enough though.
