Today we’ve got some more great photos from the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. They’re taken from a feature Omiya recently put up on a Special Exhibition in honor of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Omiya Bonsai Village. 
This Japanese maple with its truly astounding nebari, is named ‘Koga’ which means ‘child’ in Japanese. 
“Japanese Maple. This work, the gentle sloping trunk spreading thin branches in all directions, gives the impression of a substantial expansion of space. In this season, the leaves will begin to color day by day and show a beautiful gradation.
Hanging scroll: Hazy Moon (painted by Keinen Imao) (E-033)
Writing Alcove: Itosusuki, Japanese Silver Gras” Quoted from Omiya Bonsai Art Museum’s caption.
“Japanese Juniper. This bonsai's trunk brims with shari part of which bends out forming sharp jin near the soil's surface. Contained within the tree's short 30 centimeters is an expression of a solemn tree formed by nature's hands. Companion piece: Fuiri-Sekisho.” From Omiya’s caption.
Red chokeberry. There’s a message here; all your bonsai don’t have to be powerful behemoths, or even trees. Sometimes an unremarkable shrub can become a thing of beauty in the right pot and potted just so. Of course flowers and berries never hurt. In this case, our little planting could be a companion or stand on its own. Your choice. 
“Bonsai Pot with Pegasus Design. The winged horse made its way from Sassanian Empire (224-651 B.C.) to Tang Dynasty in China before reaching Japan in the 7th century during the Hakuho period. The pegasus in this picture, with all of its fore legs raised, was copied from an icon found on a decorated pitcher at the famous Horyuji Temple.” From Omiya’s caption.
Here’s another one that could be a companion or stand on its own. 
Burning Bush. A plant common here in Vermont and much of the Eastern U.S. that’s known for its brilliant red fall foliage. Here’s Omiya’s caption: “This bonsai, formed in han kengai, or semi cascade style, is of a small variation of the spindle tree called komayumi. After blooming with pale green blossoms in early summer, the plant bears small fruits here and there. In fall, they become vivid red color.”
“History and Culture of Bonsai: Bonsai Chronicle. Time Period: Saturday, September 18 to Wednesday, November 17. Venue: Exhibition Room.
The “Bonsai Chronicle” panel—which explains the history and culture of bonsai in a visual chronological table—will be on display along with bonsai pots filled with seasonal plants, ukiyo-e woodblock prints and other bonsai-related historical materials.” From Omiya’s caption.
“Japanese Cedar. The beautiful shape of this Japanese cedar showing the dignity of a massive tree condensed to a smaller form represents a typical shape of bonsai. And with the branches shaping left and right alternately, a symmetric and breezy figure is expressed.
Hanging scroll: Banri Ichijo Tetsu (calligraphy by Sokushu Akiyoshi) (E-076)
Side Alcove: Fuchiso, Japanese forest grass.” From Omiya’s caption. 
“Gyo Room Japanese Maple (Deshojo). With five trunks standing upright this bonsai expresses a refreshing impression. The name of this breed of Japanese maple, Deshojo, means deep red and was given to the breed because it bears such deep red leaves in the early spring.
Hanging scroll: Moon and Silver Grass (painted by Shoe Watanabe)” From Omiya’s caption. 
“Virginia Creeper. This plant is a creeper native to the southeastern part of America and Mexico, and looks as though it grew wild on a high cliff. It was introduced to Japan during the Taisho period (1912-1926). The dainty berries are the highlight of this season. As autumn deepens, the green leaves turn a vivid red.” From Omiya’s caption. 
Hinoki Cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa. Omiya’s caption says five trunks, but I only count 4. Are my eyes playing tricks, or is the fifth trunk completely hidden? Or…..? By the way, I like the way the lighting highlights the bright green foliage that is often characteristic of Hinoki cypress.
