With 2018 still in its infancy, this unique and beautiful bonsai seemed like a suitable image to start the new year. Hundreds of years old, the tree’s recorded age is only approximated. Similarly, the scores of people who have nurtured and shaped it over those tens of decades are completely unknown. Each and every one of them, except of course the present custodian. The anonymous preservation and attempted perfection of the bonsai their only goal, as in the end, it’s arguable that the beauty of today is all that really counts, along with whatever can be saved and passed on to tomorrow.
LAObserver says
This reminds me of so many similar views in Kyoto. The Nihonjin success with simple art from nature strikes a peaceful inner note. It is always beautiful and reflective.
Lee says
Yes, couldn’t agree more. In a city as crowded and cluttered as Tokyo, such scenes arguably take on even more significance. I have a huge soft spot for bonsai too, so I’m even more drawn to sights such as this. The perfect place to spend a little time.
Denton says
Beautiful start to 2018! Awesome framing in framing. I really like it! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you! When everything is set up as perfectly as this, it’s hard to go wrong. No need to think or anything, just press the shutter.
Ken Caldicott says
I probably had too much to drink during the holidays but it looks like the old one is leaning over and talking to the young(er) one and it is actually responding.
Lee says
Too much to drink or not, that’s a lovely way of seeing it. I can see it myself now as well, which adds a lot more to the image. And with all those years under its belt, the old one really would have some tales to tell…
YTSL says
Beautiful! Happy new year to you Lee and I hope you’ll continue photographing and blogging for through 2018 (at the very least)! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you. All the very best to you too!
The photography will continue without any doubt whatsoever. And so this site will too.