As mentioned in an earlier post – Chinese Penjing & Japanese Bonsai, one of the major difference between Chinese penjing and Japanese bonsai is the scope of these two related art forms. With the meaning of the words – “bonsai” (盆栽) and “penjing” (盆景), it is clear that while the Japanese bonsai is focusing on the creation of a perfect tree, the Chinese penjing is more of reproducing a miniature natural scene. Many of the elaborate tray sceneries created by Chinese artists clearly defy the parameters of bonsai.
So, Chinese penjing is a little less “strict” and often involves the use of rocks, small figurines and mudmans, multiple trees, and water to complete the illusion of a landscape in a bonsai pot or on a marble slab. Little clay structures like huts, pagodas, boats and bridges are also often use in penjing. And with these traces of human existence that are frequently found in many Chinese painting, the close connection between penjing and painting is obvious.
Figurines have always had a place in Chinese penjing as an aesthetic contribution. In an effort to capture the realism of a favorite scenic view, an intricate part would involve the use of figurines of people, animals, huts and temples, to give an appearance of great age and size to the miniature forests.
4 replies on “Figurines in Penjing”
It is interesting to know about Chinese and Japanese Penjing. By seeing the pictures one can imagine that how figurines enhance the aesthetic and natural feelings in the creation of Penging .
Good afternoon,
I make rock settings and would like to purchase figurines to suit. Would you advise any manufacturer or distributor of these products.
Thanks
Wal Midgley
Hi Wal,
I always avoid hard-selling my own products, but since you give me this chance and what my shop offers is very likely of your interest, I will accept this opportunity 🙂
You can visit Happy Bonsai Shop – http://www.shop.happybonsai.com Hopefully you can find what you are looking for there 😉
Happy Bonsai!
My Grandson loves playing with Army Men and this set is perfcet for him. He pits them all against each other on four sides American against the British against the Germans against the Japanese. He’s not old enough to know there was only 2 sides . Plays with them for hours and makes all the war sounds Nothing to do with the product but shipping was super fast and we received them before Christmas even though the estimated delivery time was December 31st.