Platz 1/12 Bonsai 1

Bonsai (盆栽^?, "tray planting"   is a Japanese art form using trees grown in containers. Similar practices exist in other cultures, including the Chinese tradition of penjing from which the art originated, and the miniature living landscapes of Vietnamese hòn non bộ. The Japanese tradition dates back over a thousand years. "Bonsai" is a Japanese pronunciation of the earlier Chinese term penzai. The word bonsai is often used in English as an umbrella term for all miniature trees in containers or pots.

The purposes of bonsai are primarily contemplation (for the viewer) and the pleasant exercise of effort and ingenuity (for the grower). By contrast with other plant cultivation practices, bonsai is not intended for production of food or for medicine. Instead, bonsai practice focuses on long-term cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees growing in a container.

There is a great deal more to it than the introduction above so I suggest reading the reference for more information.  

I am constantly amazed that what gets kitted in Japan. Add this one to the list. I would have never dreamed that a bonsai would be done, but here is the first one. The kit comes for the most part, in a styrofoam tray. This tray includes the branches of the tree along with the foliage and the immediate base. There is another section into which the immediate base fits as well as a pastic stand, but that is attached to the side of the tray and not visible in this photo. A section of wood is also included, the purpose of which is not made clear, but perhaps it is a painting guide.

Though the pieces fit together to make the model, there are no painting instructions and this really needs to be painted to look nice. The website link for the product has a how-to video and much of the time is used in doing washes. The plastic is apparently pliable as well as it shows sections being bent slightly to get it all into shape.

Since it is 1/12 scale, it fits in well with many other items, including figures that are made in this scale. I am not sure how big a hit it will be in the US, but certainly in places that have an appreciation for the art it should do well.

An interesting kit to say the least and something that may well appeal to new modelers, especially women who might not otherwise get involved in building war craft or cars.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai

February 2017

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