The Tokono-ma

In traditional Japanese houses, one room has a Tokonoma, an alcove designed for the display of a kakemono (scroll) and perhaps a flower arrangement (Ikebana) or a piece of pottery. The practice is to change the picture depending on the season. Or indeed, to have another image suggesting an emotion or seasonal feel outside the present month. Waterfalls, Taki,  suggest coolness and are often displayed in hot weather while a dry or sea shore landscape suggests heat in a cold month. The rolled-up kakemono can be stored in a specially designed box sometimes called a Kiri box which can be made in Paulownia or Cedar wood. Period wooden boxes are usually made in Paulownia . A scroll is meant to be stored until it is brought out again. Some scrolls have hand made silk covered boxes using antique Japanese Kimono Silk.These are very beautiful and always very popular when been given as presents

Giang L.S. NGUYEN is a Vietnamese bonsai artist and bonsai mudmen figures sculptor living in France. His interest in bonsai began at the very young age. His family used to have a great collection of landscapes Lingnan style bonsai trees in Saigon before the Vietnam War.

After reaching the free world in the 90s from the Pulau Bidong refugee camps MB695, he started training new species such as maple trees and Prunus species.

Giang got a degree in International Business and a Master’s Degree in Aquaculture, University Montpellier 2, France.

Thanks to his family bonsai tradition and biology knowledge, Giang is currently setting up his Bonsai Studio in southern France.

Walter is available anytime for: Tree Inspiration (tree critique), Moderation of Bonsai Events, Workshops, One to ones, Demonstrations, Bonsai School, Presentations, Private collection maintenance and refinement.

Skillsets: Advanced to very advanced, any tree species, any style