Barbed wire and beauty: A history of bonsai in Southern California
by Brick, Gabrielle Michelle, M.A., UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, 2007, 22 pages; 1443901

Abstract:

In the decades that followed the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War Two, the traditional Japanese art of bonsai has moved from the backyards of Japanese-American hobbyists to the mainstream. Bonsai enthusiasts today come from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds and work with a range of traditional Japanese and native Californian plant species to create these miniature masterpieces. The "Golden State" is home to more than 60 local clubs and a number of world-class bonsai artists.

The culture of bonsai in the West is rooted in Southern California, where many Japanese-Americans worked as farmers or landscape gardeners. Among them was John Naka, whose talent and vision made him instrumental in spreading the art of bonsai throughout the western world. His efforts not only allowed the art to evolve outside of Japan, but also provided a way for Japan and Japanese-Americans to gain respect after the war.
 
AdviserJoe Saltzman
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
SourceMAI/ 45-05, p. , Aug 2007
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsAmerican studies; American history; Ethnic studies
Publication Number1443901
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