The African Bonsai Collection: An Illustrated Guide by Bader, Jann
The African Bonsai Collection: An Illustrated Guide by Bader, Jann
Softcover, ISBN 9780864865199
Publisher: New Africa Books (Pty) Ltd, 2002
Condition: Very good+. The pictorial laminated wraps have slight wear and the book pages are clean, clear and intact and the spine remains undamaged. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
The prime objective of this book is to introduce everyone to an ancient African Art form – African Bonsai collecting. In Africa, we have always sold ourselves short. We have allowed people from other countries to come here, plunder our ideas and our cultural artefacts for a mere song.
For instance, the people of Africa invented the combustion engine, which was originally used to power a vehicle called a Minibus Taxi – the Germans stole the concept. In fact the list is endless, and includes the paper clip, boerewors, the barbeque, chutney, the washing machine, football, yachting and the hamburger. The Japanese are equally guilty. Not only did they commandeer the art of Sushi from the Koi people, (after whom they also named a glorified goldfish), they also managed to get their hands on miniaturised trees, which they took back to Japan.
Today, only the elders, and the old Bonsai–keepers remember that the art form originated in Katlehong, with splinter Bonsai masters still active in Naboomspruit, Parkwood, Willowglen and the Umzumtitoniziswasensafakawena (meaning Big) Forest. The African Bonsai Collection is a serious book for the serious collector of the mundane and trivia.
