Nature's wonders, great and small, on display at China-Japan exhibition

KYOTO, Japan — An exhibition showcasing bonsai and suiseki artworks has opened at the famous Japanese temple of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan.

As flaming autumn foliage and bustling visitors crowded the temple, the Sino-Japanese bonsai suiseki exhibition began on Friday at the temple, a World Heritage Site.

The exhibition showcases bonsai creations derived from the Chinese art of Penjing, blending the beauty of natural landscapes with the ancient temple architecture.

Xue Jian, China's consul general in Osaka, said during the opening ceremony that the Chinese art of bonsai, transmitted to Japan more than 1,200 years ago, continues to evolve today.

"The compacted beauty of natural landscapes within bonsai vessels embodies the shared desire for exquisite, natural, and beautiful lives between the people of China and Japan throughout history."

Kyoto Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki, in a written statement, said the long-standing cultural and artistic exchange, particularly through bonsai art, has deepened trust and friendship between Japan and China.

He expressed hope that the exhibition would strengthen the ties between the two countries.

"Appreciating the beauty of bonsai transcends borders. I thank bonsai for introducing me to friends from around the world, and I hope everyone makes friends through the art," said Kunio Kobayashi, founder of the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Japan and a master bonsai artist.

Su Fang, secretary-general of the Chinese Penjing Artists Association, said in his address that the exchange of bonsai and suiseki arts between China and Japan contributes to fostering cultural dialogue between the two neighbors.

After the opening ceremony, attendees took part in a water-pouring ceremony for an 800-year-old bonsai on Friday.

Seihan Mori, the chief abbot of Kiyomizu-dera temple, said this was the first time the temple had hosted a Sino-Japanese friendship bonsai exhibition.

He expressed his sincere hope for enduring friendship between Japan and China, symbolized by the ancient mountain spring water flowing through Kiyomizu-dera.

On the same day, Kobayashi performed a live bonsai creation demonstration on-site with his disciples, drawing a large crowd of onlookers eager to capture the master's skills.

The four-day exhibition featuring over 50 bonsai and suiseki works from both China and Japan closes on Monday.

Xinhua