She will show it to everyone and brag about it for years to come; that’s the promise the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden makes this Mother’s Day with its Penjing Sale.
Practised in China for over 2,000 years, penjing means ‘potted landscape’ and encompasses almost anything found in a natural landscape, formed artistically and reduced to miniature.
In order to keep the penjing in the desired shape and scale, the branches, leaves – even the roots – must be pruned to achieve the correct proportion. Then the pot or tray in which the penjing is grown must also be selected to bring out the beauty, elegance and sublimity of the tree.
For two days only you can see the exhibition of the Penjing Club’s prized penjing, and purchase your own living sculptures for between $5 and $50.
In addition to traditional penjing (the single-plant variety of which differs from bonsai only in stylistcally subtle ways), there will also be unexpected creations with modern twists.
Pin Lee, the garden’s penjing master, and other experts will be on hand with tips on how to care for this fascinating live art form.
The Penjing Sale runs May 10 and 11 from 10am to 4pm. Entrance to the penjing show and sale is included with garden admission (adults, $14).
Info at VancouverChineseGarden.com
