さいたま市大宮盆栽美術館主催 「さつき盆栽展」 協力：礒部緑園
From May 23 to June 1, 2025, the “Satsuki Bonsai Exhibition” was held at the Omiya Museum of Art in Saitama City. Satsuki-en and Isobe Midorien, both located in the city, collaborated in the exhibition, displaying 18 seats and 26 pieces of Satsuki bonsai in full bloom. The museum has a permanent exhibition space consisting of a collection gallery with five seats and three alcoves with different styles, as well as seating decorations. Unlike exhibitions where items are displayed on shelves, this is a rare exhibition where visitors can enjoy the spatial design of the alcoves. Exhibitor Shigeo Isobe said, “This is a rare exhibition where we can luxuriously use alcoves with different styles. While there are challenges in selecting the types of azaleas and focusing on the tools, I hope that those who visit can feel immersed in the world of azaleas.” We will introduce all the azalea bonsai on display. Asukanishiki
The first exhibit to greet visitors in the lobby of the 2025 “Azalea Bonsai Exhibition” is “Asukanishiki,” in full bloom. This exhibition has many repeat visitors who look forward to it every year. Seeing this flower first thing instantly lifts your spirits. This is a single pot that embodies the beauty of Satsuki flowers, recognized by all. Kunpu
This is Mr. Isobe’s latest work, which pursues the possibilities of azalea bonsai and seeks new creations. It is a departure from previous azalea bonsai, recreating a “scene seen somewhere.” It is a playful work. This work was exhibited throughout the entire period. Hikorin
“Hikorin,” with its delicate form, is a red-flowered variant of the popular “Korin” variety. The well-defined trunk and delicately branched branches are beautiful, and despite being a medium-sized plant, it is clear that it has been cultivated over a long period of time. This is a refined pot that reflects the accumulation of careful maintenance. Issho-no-Haru
“Issho-no-Haru” is a root-rising tree shape with striking root patterns. The roots have been carefully managed to prevent them from becoming too thick, allowing their beauty to be fully appreciated. This tree is the result of meticulous care over many years, resulting in a majestic appearance. The small pot next to it was grown from a cutting distributed during the annual “post-bloom care” demonstration on the final day of the exhibition. “I received the cutting two years ago, and it bloomed for the first time this year.” The large flowers of the wisteria blooming in the small pot have captured the hearts of many people. Jukokan
There are many diverse expressions in the creative tree shapes of wisteria. This “Jukokan” has a root-connected tree shape. The strongly rising trunk is impressive. Simply laying the saplings flat would not produce such a towering trunk. It is likely that multiple saplings were used and that it took many years to create. Imagining the process of its creation is one of the joys of artistic tree shapes. Korin
The powerful and imposing “Korin.” In a traditional tree shape, the lowest branch is lengthened as a “supporting branch,” but by lengthening the second branch on the left and using it as a “supporting branch,” the tree shape is given a unique twist. This is an old tree brought in its pot. Komane
The most traditional “Gyou-no-Ma” for tokonoma decoration features a stone-mounted “Komane.” The branches spread out as if covering the heavy stone base. The fluffy double flowers further enhance its presence. This is a very luxurious pot, combining a dignified appearance with splendor. Akemi-no-Tsuki
On the shelf of the skylight window “Tsukeshoin” is the small piece “Akemi-no-Tsuki.” In contrast to the main tree “Komane,” the light and crisp white flowers are refreshing. The red and white contrast creates a beautiful scene. Momoka
The stone-mounted “Momoka” is displayed in the space “Sou-no-Ma,” which uses different materials for the pillars and frames to create a sense of variation. The roots cling to the standing stone. This work is interesting for its contrast between the expression of life in a harsh environment and the cute flowers with their shades of pink. Sachi-no-Tsukasa
Next to the tokonoma is the medium-sized “Sachi-no-Tsukasa.” Despite being medium-sized, it has a sturdy, well-balanced upright form with a traditional tree shape. This arrangement also allows you to enjoy the contrast with the stone-mounted “Momoka.” Wakaebisu
Displayed in the most prestigious “Shin-no-Ma” alcove is “Wakaebisu,” which features beautiful, spreading roots. The abundant double flowers are appropriately thinned and neatly arranged. From the roots to the tips of the branches, it exudes a dignified presence. This is truly a pot worthy of being called “the essence of May,” exuding an air of grandeur. Chinzan
On the side table is a clump-shaped “Chinzan.” The overall shape is rounded, but the base of the clump, which has grown over time, has a varied texture that draws the eye. Sakura
On the side shelf is the charming “Sakura” with its raised roots. It pairs beautifully with the lapis lazuli-painted pot. Hinomaru
In the attached study is the small “Hinomaru.” The round skylight window with the Hinomaru emblem adds a playful touch to the design. This concludes the first half of the exhibition. The second half of the exhibition features works other than the creative tree-shaped “Kunpu.” Shikisai
In the second half of the lobby exhibition, “Seasonal Pot,” the “Shikisai” catches the eye with its clear color contrast. The large flowers resemble artificial creations, emitting a sparkling glow. The imposing size and breathtaking beauty of the piece draw visitors in. Akanagi
With its sturdy, thick trunk and branches spreading widely to the left and right, Akanagi embodies the raw power of nature with its wild, untamed appearance. This variety has branches that are difficult to train, making it extremely challenging to shape it into this form. The artist’s persistent care and deep affection are evident. Wakaebisu
Wakaebisu is a popular variety known since ancient times for its orange-tinged, gentle flower color, rounded flower shape, and distinctive double blooms. It is also popular as a bonsai variety due to its rapid growth and good thickness. Kazan
“Kazan” has glossy leaves with distinctive patterns. It is also known by the alternative names “Kakubachinzan” and “Buncho.” Its branches do not grow long but grow densely, making it difficult to shape into a bonsai, but it is shaped into a scenic form with its unique natural tree shape at the base. Shuen
“Shuen” is said to be a selected variety of the natural species of Satsuki. It has a wild and powerful appearance, rising from the base. The finely crafted branches harmonize to create a powerful appearance. The leaves are pointed at the tips and have a lustrous sheen. The medium-sized flowers bloom modestly, exuding a calm elegance, making this variety truly suited for bonsai. Osakazuki
The tokonoma decoration “Gyou-no-Ma” features the dynamic root-rising tree shape of “Osakazuki.” This single pot, which appears to have been cultivated in a pot for many years, adds a sense of strength to the space with its dignified appearance. How has such a large root system been maintained for so many years? One can’t help but ponder the long years that have passed. Hakatajiro
The attached study features the representative white-flowered variety “Hakatajiro.” It is a charming piece with a beautiful trunk and a double-trunk form. Tamaorihime
The alcove decoration “Sou-n-Ma” features the literati “Tamaorihime.” In the alcove decoration, the silhouette of the bonsai is beautifully projected in the background by the lighting. The tree shape is simple and refined, with the branches and leaves minimally pruned. The silhouette is also part of the enjoyment of this bonsai. Shuho-no-Hikari
Next to the alcove is a small, stable bonsai called “Shuho-no-Hikari.” Despite its small size, it is meticulously crafted, with balanced branches, careful pruning, and adjusted flower count. Kasho
The “Shin-no-Ma” alcove decoration features the “Kasho,” which stands out with its powerful base and beautifully pruned branches. Its flawless, dignified appearance is a prime example of the classic style of Satsuki bonsai. It exudes a majestic presence, fitting to conclude the exhibition in style. Chinzan
On the side table is “Chinzan,” characterized by its upward-sloping roots. A single fallen branch adds vitality to the tree’s form, enhancing its dynamism. Azumakagami
In the annex, the “Azumakagami” was displayed, featuring a slender trunk with a distinctive pattern. All of the works on display conveyed Mr. Isobe’s exceptional aesthetic sense and attention to detail. The visitors stopped to gaze intently at each piece, which seemed to speak volumes. On the final day, the annual “post-bloom maintenance” demonstration was held, and the venue was once again packed to capacity. The 2025 Satsuki Bonsai Exhibition came to a successful close. That concludes the Satsuki Bonsai Exhibition hosted by the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama City.
２０２５年５月２３日から６月１日、さいたま市大宮美術館にて「さつき盆栽展」が開催されました。同市内の皐月園・礒部緑園が出展協力を行い、前後期合わせて１８席、２６点もの見頃を迎えた皐月盆栽が展示されました。
同美術館には常設の展示スペースとして、５席のコレクションギャラリーと趣の異なる３つの床の間、座席飾りがあります。陳列台に並べられる展示会とは違い、床の間という空間演出を楽しめる貴重な展示会です。出展者の礒部繁男氏は「趣の異なる床の間を贅沢に使用できる貴重な展示会です。皐月の種類はもちろん、道具類にこだわったり、演出の難しさはありますが、見てくださる方が皐月の世界に浸る瞬間を感じてもらえたら嬉しいです」と話されました。
展示されたすべての皐月盆栽をご紹介します。
