[Pre-order] Book Bonsai Geijutsu — The World of Master Kunio Kobayashi (Autographed)

Bonsai Geijutsu — The World of Master Kunio Kobayashi (The World of Bonsai Artist Kunio Kobayashi) is the definitive work on the life and thought of one of the greatest living names in bonsai worldwide. This copy is personally autographed by the author and comes in hardcover. 324 pages of photographs, essays and compositions.

About Master Kunio Kobayashi

Kunio Kobayashi was born in 1948 into a large family of five siblings. As a child, he helped his father, a gardener, sell flowers and work on the farm. He graduated from a municipal horticulture school and took over the family business. At the age of 28, he was impressed by a bonsai exhibition at the 8th Japan Professional Growers' Exhibition. From this experience, he decided to dedicate himself fully to the world of bonsai.

In Japan, many people begin their bonsai journey after finishing high school. However, the demanding bonsai work routine, which can require up to 15 hours a day, seven days a week, often discourages those who dream of becoming masters of this art. Kunio Kobayashi, however, worked diligently since childhood to make bonsai his passion and his profession. Therefore, at the age of 40, in 1989, he received the highest bonsai honor in Japan: the Prime Minister's Award.

After receiving his first award, his motivation to create even better bonsai only increased. He was awarded the Prime Minister's Prize again in 1992, 1999 and 2001, totaling four official recognitions. In addition, his work was awarded the Kokufu Award eleven times at the Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition, the most prestigious exhibition in Japan, and six times with the Grand Prix at the Koju Ten Exhibition.

Kunio Kobayashi created the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, a special place for contemplating his works, where he receives hundreds of visitors from all over the world. In his Museum, he dedicated himself to promoting the art of KeidoThis is the traditional presentation of bonsai and other elements in a Tokonoma. Master Kobayashi learned this exquisite art as a disciple of Ichiu Katayama, and today is one of the most renowned Keido masters in Japan.

Since then, the number of his lectures and demonstrations abroad has increased so significantly that by 2020, Master Kobayashi had already visited more than 30 countries in over 200 tripsHe also dedicated himself to educating national and international students, teaching more than 100 students from 20 different countries.

Notably, many people throughout Asia have sought to hone their bonsai skills, becoming true "Bonsai Masters," dedicating their lives to the pursuit of perfection in this art, just like Kunio Kobayashi. His life journey has given him vast knowledge and experience, and he lives according to the following principles:

• Truly love bonsai.
• Understand the physiology of plants.
• Improve your technique daily.
• Develop your artistic sense every day.
• Never forget to maintain an honest attitude.
• Look around you and cultivate your curiosity.
• Always say "thank you" and be humble.

About the book

The book explores Kobayashi's philosophy on bonsai and suiseki are two sides of the same coin....going through the four main chapters of the work: Bonsai (盆栽), Suiseki (水石), Suiban (水盤) and Taku/Sokei (卓・添景)It brings together photographs of monumental trees, collectible stones, vases, and exhibition compositions that define the state of contemporary Japanese art.

Exclusive pre-sale FELAB Brazil 2026

The autographed copy will be delivered together with the FELAB Brazil 2026, where Master Kobayashi will be personally present. Secure your copy now.