The Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture: Bonsai Collection History

Clark Center Bonsai Collection History

The importance of bonsai in Japanese culture and its great interest and fascination for western viewers made the establishment of a bonsai collection and exhibition area seems to be a logical step for the Clark Center. In 2004 a concept was explored and acquisition, storage, horticultural necessities and exhibit of bonsai holdings were all given careful consideration. An area near the office building was identified as a possible location to construct a holding area to store and care for the future bonsai collection.

After the construction of this reserve area, calls for donations of bonsai went out to collectors throughout the state. Local bonsai clubs were enlisted to assist in getting the project off the ground and the Clark Center bonsai collection was launched. Slowly the collection began to grow in numbers and quality of bonsai. Soon it was possible to mount short-term displays of bonsai for special events held at the Clark Center, such as the Spring Festival and the annual fundraiser. When donations of more superior and historically significant bonsai followed it became apparent that a permanent public bonsai exhibition area was needed. In 2006, on a shoestring budget, a permanent bonsai exhibition area was constructed in close proximity to the gallery building which has since served to the public as an integral part of the visitors’ experience.

As the Clark Center bonsai collection became more visible to the public its growth continued and increased in quality. Through donations we have been successful in acquiring very fine and in some instances historically significant bonsai. A recent example is the addition of a large portion of the remaining Kawaguchi Collection that included two important bonsai, the legendary bonsai of the late Sam Kawaguchi, and the other a major work by the late Harry Koga, Sam’s teacher. Additionally, significant but neglected bonsai that had been donated by the families of aged or deceased bonsai collectors to have been restored to their original aesthetic values.

Bonsai are living works of art which need constant care and attention and for some specimens, their health and aesthetic value has been challenging due to the climate. Today the Clark Center bonsai collection contains over 100 bonsai trees, many of these originally created by Japanese American bonsai artists representing a living historical record of the significance to the art of bonsai and the cultural history of bonsai in California. The bonsai collection has become a significant part of the Clark Center experience for visitors.



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		Clark Center Bonsai Collection History The importance of bonsai in Japanese culture and its great interest and fascination for western viewers made the establishment of a bonsai collection and exhibition area seems to be a logical step for the Clark Center. In 2004 a concept was explored and acquisition, storage, horticultural necessities and exhibit of bonsai holdings were all given careful consideration. An area near the office building was identified as a possible location to construct a holding area to store and care for the future bonsai collection. After the construction of this reserve area, calls for donations of bonsai went out to collectors throughout the state. Local bonsai clubs were enlisted to assist in getting the project off the ground and the Clark Center bonsai collection was launched. Slowly the collection began to grow in numbers and quality of bonsai. Soon it was possible to mount short-term displays of bonsai for special events held at the Clark Center, such as the Spring Festival and the annual fundraiser. When donations of more superior and historically significant bonsai followed it became apparent that a permanent public bonsai exhibition area was needed. In 2006, on a shoestring budget, a permanent bonsai exhibition area was constructed in close proximity to the gallery building which has since served to the public as an integral part of the visitors’ experience. As the Clark Center bonsai collection became more visible to the public its growth continued and increased in quality. Through donations we have been successful in acquiring very fine and in some instances historically significant bonsai. A recent example is the addition of a large portion of the remaining Kawaguchi Collection that included two important bonsai, the legendary bonsai of the late Sam Kawaguchi, and the other a major work by the late Harry Koga, Sam’s teacher. Additionally, significant but neglected bonsai that had been donated by the families of aged or deceased bonsai collectors to have been restored to their original aesthetic values. Bonsai are living works of art which need constant care and attention and for some specimens, their health and aesthetic value has been challenging due to the climate. Today the Clark Center bonsai collection contains over 100 bonsai trees, many of these originally created by Japanese American bonsai artists representing a living historical record of the significance to the art of bonsai and the cultural history of bonsai in California. The bonsai collection has become a significant part of the Clark Center experience for visitors.
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