Books like Naka John Bonsai Techniques?

[Ply]

Does anybody have recommendations for a book(s) that is similar to Naka John's Bonsai Techniques? Specifically I mean a book focused on the design aspect of bonsai, with many visuals and illustrations as examples. For a concrete example of what I'm looking for, its something similar to the page below from Bonsai Techniques 1.

I've previewed a couple dozen books by now and they all tend to be focused on horticular/care, and feature few if any illustations, which is not at all what I'm looking for. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

 

[Gabler]

I've been meaning to get myself a copy of De Groot's Principles of Bonsai Design, but I can't recommend it, because I haven't read it.

 

[AshleyMammal]

I've been meaning to get myself a copy of De Groot's Principles of Bonsai Design, but I can't recommend it, because I haven't read it.

But I have and I do! It’s an incredible book and goes so deep into the design aspect of bonsai. 10/10 would thoroughly recommend

 

[Fern]

Principles of Bonsai Design is on sale at Stonelantern.com! I would agree a 10/10 book that all bonsai enthusiast would love.

 

[rockm]

If you like forest plantings/design or just bonsai in general this book is excellent. If you can find it

Forest, Rock Planting & Ezo Spruce Bonsai by Saburo Kato

RARE OUT OF PRINT This exceptional classic is a wonderful museum quality bonsai treasure by the true master of forest rock plantings. Previously available only in Japanese, it stands as the definitive bonsai book on the subject and is a noble addition to the collection of top quality bonsai...

stonelantern.com

 

[bunjin]

I assume you also have Bonsai Techniques II ?

 

[rockm]

If you don’t have techniques II you should know it is more esthetically oriented than the first volume. (IMO it is the more valuable practically of the two books because of that). Has a section on pot selection and planting designs etc

 

[Ply]

I've been meaning to get myself a copy of De Groot's Principles of Bonsai Design, but I can't recommend it, because I haven't read it.

Yeah I've heard great things about the book as well. Would love to get it but haven't found a seller within EU, and importing comes with high costs. No purchasable PDF/digital version either as far as I know.

 

[Ply]

If you don’t have techniques II you should know it is more esthetically oriented than the first volume. (IMO it is the more valuable practically of the two books because of that). Has a section on pot selection and planting designs etc

That's good to know, I hadn't actually heard that before. No reason why actually but always figured the 2nd part was more of the same.

Both books are hard to come by, I once found a scan of the first book and loved it. If the author was still alive and selling the book I'd be more than willing to purchase it. Ill have another look for the 2nd part, perhaps I can find it somewhere, or a scan or something somewhere.

 

[rockm]

That's good to know, I hadn't actually heard that before. No reason why actually but always figured the 2nd part was more of the same.

Both books are hard to come by, I once found a scan of the first book and loved it. If the author was still alive and selling the book I'd be more than willing to purchase it. Ill have another look for the 2nd part, perhaps I can find it somewhere, or a scan or something somewhere.

They come up for auctions regularly on Bonsai Auctions on Facebook and other selling sites there.