page contents The little bonsai : February 2018

Growing and Caring for Bonsai Trees

Growing and Caring for Bonsai Trees

The Art of Shiwan Mudmen Figurines 石灣窯

shiwan mudmen figurines


In China and Vietnam, Shiwan ornaments are very popular among many Bonsai communities. It takes sometime to master crafts skills of Shiwan sculptures. Most of authentic statues are market and clearly distinguishable from cheap copies. There is an old saying, ''Original is always better than a copy'' and such philosophy certainly applies to Mudmen figurines too.





Bonsai with Shiwan
Bonsai with Shiwan Figurine on display

The manufacture of ceramics is an ancient industry in Kwangtung Province of China; indeed, many of its archaeological sites actually contain kilns dating between the Neolithic Age (4200-3500 BC) and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1744). Late 7th- and 8th-century ceramists in northern China, working primarily at kilns at T'ung-ch'uan near Ch'ang-an and at Kung-hsien in Honan province, also developed "three-color" (san ts'ai) pottery wares and figurines that were slipped and covered with a low-fired lead glaze tinted with copper or ferrous oxide in green, yellow, brown, and sometimes blue; the bright colors were allowed to mix or run naturally over the robust contour of these vessels, which are among the finest in the history of Chinese pottery. To a large extend, the art of Shiwan figurine craftmenship is relatively unknown in Europe and in the US. Or lets say, its still not as popular as many expected it would be.


Some time between the Tang and Sung periods (960-1279), the town of Shekwan began to go commercial, undoubtedly the result of the opening of Canton to foreign traders. As time went on, enormous amounts of utilitarian pottery began to be produced: cooking utensils, dishes, and jars; and soon, to appease local demand, more decorative figures which later became known as Shekwan ware. It comes in a wide variety of glazes with many interesting names: among these are: sour carambola (mottled purple-red), raindrops on the wall (blue with white drippings), and sea mouse (pale blue and shiny green).

Laozi ''Old Master'' riding an Ox
Today, the Shiwan Artistic Ceramic Factory (est. in 1952) carries on the figurine production established in the Ming Dynasty. Hundreds of people are employed, of whom two thirds are women. Following the principle of “quality product” is based upon elaboration, each piece of ceramics with “signs” of the art masters is produced via six complicated procedures (including design, plaster molding, pouring slurry for figuration, amending cog, glazing and burning). Employees work 8 hours a day, making an average of about $60 a month, although sculptors make more. Production of the factory today is composed largely of figurines of people and animals, with some miniatures and tableware. 

More than 2 million pieces are made each year, of which 60 percent are exported, mostly to the rest of Asia. Because the clay is so plastic, many of these figures can be modeled in incredible detail; hence, different kinds of figures have different expressions with which we can identify them. A god or a general is usually dignified; the drunken Tang Dynasty poet Li Po is usually depicted lifting a glass to the moon. Arms and legs are usually modeled quite powerfully to give an impression of quiet strength -- you will notice these most particularly on the good-looking fishermen." A professional team of art masters has inherited and developed the outstanding tradition of Shiwan ceramic techniques ranging from lively earthen figures, statues and animals with thick and earthy ceramic glaze, to modern ceramics of plain, elegant and fresh patterns, thus forming its own unique artistic style and making Shiwan ceramic techniques extraordinarily splendid.

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One of the best shiwan (shekwan) sculptures we've ever encountered, is the legendary Laozi riding an ox: Laozi means "old master". It is said that he mounted an ox and headed west, before leaving, the border guard asked if he would write down his ideas, which Laozi obliged to do, thus he wrote the Tao-te ching (Book of Changes). The robes are done in a rich white glaze that is naturally aged with time, the glass-like eyes of the ox reflect the pinnacle of the potter's art and is indicative of the very early 20th century (late Qing, early Republic). 

Because of the superlative and delicate craftsmanship of Shiwan pottery, most of the Ceramic Sculptures and Ceramic Figurines created there have been being collected in the national museum and by collectors all over the world. Shiwan Chinese Ceramic Figurines and Ceramic Sculptures is nowadays a popular idea for special gifts, Chinese collectibles and as home decor figurines.

Shiwan figurine
Sitting Shiwan Mudman with hammer

Antique Shiwan Mudmen era 1910 - 1920






Virtual Assistants



Wide Shiwan figurine selection can be found here:
Decorated Chinese Shiwan Ceramic Figurine
Shiwan Doll Master sitting with Peach (longevity)
Shiwan Shang Yuxuan with Feng Shui ornaments
Shiwan Ancient Chinese Lady painting in Garden
Shiwan Twelve beauties Lin Daiyu 
Golden Pumpkin symbolizing Luck
Shiwan Taoist character made of red glaze ceramic



Interesting Bonsai articles can be found here:

Please click here for more information on --> Chinese Penjing Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> The Origins of Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> The Art of Saikei Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> Japanese Tanuki Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> How to Water a Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Healing Methods



Thank you for visiting my blog and feel free to subscribe to this blog and leave your message on the comment section below. Remember, good feedbags or bad remarks, it doesn't matter!



Travelling Japan by rail



Hòn non bộ Bonsai for peace, happiness and tranquility in Vietnam


Hon non bo landscape

Please correct me if I am wrong, but this article tries to be as accurate as possible on how Bonsai culture was introduced to Vietnam. In fact, as a visitor you can admire Bonsais in almost every town Hòn non bộ. Your comments and suggestions on Bonsai culture in Vietnam are welcome in this blog!

Classic Bonsai Stamp, Ficus Glomerata
Hòn means Island, Non means Mountain, and Bô means a combination of water, mountain range and forest, or it can also mean "imitating the way the scenery looks in miniature" in Vietnam. North and South, both parts of Vietnam share the same passion of styling, modeling and taking care of wonderful Bonsai masterpieces. 


The Vietnamese version of Bonsai is called ''Hòn non bộ'' which mainly focuses on depicting landscapes of islands and mountains, usually in contact with water, and decorated with live trees and other plants. Like water and land penjing, hòn non bộ specimens can feature miniature figures, vehicles, and structures.

Growing bonsai trees (Japanese: tree in a pot) is very much a part of Vietnamese culture and as popular today as it ever was, particularly among the elderly. Many may wonder why a Japanese term is used to describe the art, but the word bonsai derived from the Chinese (pen zai). The art of planting trees in pots first began in China then spread to surrounding countries, including Vietnam and Korea. Vietnamese Bonsai are becoming more popular than ever, especially in todays modern times with countless information provided by the Internet and also free market access to Bonsai's.


Cochrane Street Hong Kong 1900

How It Started

No official document explains when bonsai was introduced to Vietnam, but some researchers say that Fujian province somewhere in his paternal bloodline. How ever this fact remains to be officially proven. It all began in Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) and was flourishing in the ancient capital of Thang Long, now Ha Noi. In 1009, the Early Lê dynasty passed from flourish and downfall in 29 years with 3 Emperors Lê Đại Hành, Lê Trung Tông and Lê Ngọa Triều. During the Ly Dynasty, China had tremendous influence over Vietnam and both countries shared knowledge, traded goods and crafts skills and religious philosophies. In other words, China and Vietnam had an amicable relationship.

How ever, its known that the last emperor Lê Ngọa Triều died in 1009 after evil and brutal ruling in Đại Cồ Việt which made him and his dynasty becoming unpopular to civilians. The founder of the Lý Công Uan has been said to have had origins from China. Hòn Non Bộ, as well as miniature plants and rocks, are mentioned in Đoạn Truòng Tân Thanh, a thousand-page book by Nguyễn Du.






Hòn Non Bộ may be quite large and elaborate or small and simple. It was used to grace the courtyard entrance of the traditional Vietnamese home. Throughout Vietnam history, Hòn Non Bộ have been built for emperors, generals, and other important people as monuments, decorations, personal vistas, and as cultural icons. An example of Hòn Non Bộ scenery is on display at the Balboa Park, San Diego, California USA. To some, they can see the tenets of Confucianism. Others see Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. But more than that, bonsai trees and the scenes they depict are believed to bring good fortune, long life, strengthen family ties and even ensure fertility. They are magical, not just to behold, but in every sense of the word. They are the world in miniature, and all its mysteries and magic.


Vietnamese Bonsai






Hon non bo
A classical Hon non bo Bonsai on display


The cousin of Hon non bo, a Chinese Penjing Bonsai master piece on display


Shiwan Bonsai
Bonsai Ornaments, Chinese Shiwan (Shekwan) ware. These beautiful figurines are used to enhance landscaping









Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

The Complete Book of Bonsai --> I've been into bonsai for 25 years and this is the basic Bible for beginner and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts. It has an excellent section on techniques, including pruning, wiring and whatnot, and it has a large species-specific tree guide. If you're into bonsai and want only one book, this is it.

Indoor Bonsai The Great Selection --> Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring and stretching it.

The Secret Techniques of Bonsai --> In The Secret Techniques of Bonsai, the author of the groundbreaking Bonsai With American Trees teams up with his son to offer not only the basics for creating perfect bonsai, but also secret techniques they’ve developed over years of careful work and observation.

Bonsai Survival Manual --> Problem solving when your Bonsai get sick. Expand your gardening repertoire as you create a captivating and exquisite miniature world. In this introductory guide, Colin Lewis covers everything you need to know to design, grow, and successfully maintain attractive bonsai.

Bonsai and the art of Penjing --> Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace describes how Chinese penjing and North American bonsai were later added to the Museum, making its collection the most comprehensive in the world. Stories of individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as are the roles played by the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms people such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples --> With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens.

The Modern Bonsai Practice --> The most current, useful information on growing Bonsai. Fresh, practical, definitive, comprehensive reference guide to the finest art of horticulture: growing miniature trees. Common sense bonsai answers separating myth from fact with depth and detail. Appropriate for both bonsai hobbyists and experienced practitioners.


More Bonsai articles can be found here:

Please click here for more information on --> Chinese Penjing Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> The Origins of Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> The Art of Saikei Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> Japanese Tanuki Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> How to Water a Bonsai
Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Healing Methods


Thank you for visiting my blog and feel free to subscribe or leave your message at the comment section below. Please always remember, good feedback or bad remarks, it doesn't matter!


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