Fête Chinoise 2015: Penjing Porcelain Garden
In painting and literature in the Chinese culture, themes of nature — the birds, flowers, plants and mountain landscapes have been the focus. In poetry, Chinese scholars have often used nature to reflect life philosophies, and to find parallel analogies to develop guiding principles. Another interesting artform that also draws from nature is penjing, an ancient Chinese art of poetically depicting beautiful tree forms, plants, and landscapes in a miniature scale. Penjing, translated as “tray scenery” is also known as penzai which translates literally to “tray plant,” or “landscape in a tray or pot.” In popular culture, the art is often referred to as “bonsai,” which is the Japanese term that was coined (translated from penzai) after the Japanese were inspired by this Chinese tradition. There are generally three categories of penjings: Shumu, or Tree Penjing, focuses on one or more trees; Shanshui, or Landscape Penjing, which focuses on using rocks, water and small plants as it would exist in a landscape; and Shuihan, or Water and Land Penjing, which combines the first two types to portray a landscape in detail. The art of penjing also reflects the respect for nature in the Chinese culture, which is most evident in the meticulously kept gardens and ponds of homes and palaces.
The Penjing Porcelain Garden, presented by Anne Anderson Events, was a space for mingling where guests experience an outdoor patio concept inspired by Northern China. Guests enjoyed the refreshing combinations of marigold, black, ivory, and greens.
Patio Design: Anne Anderson Events; Backdrop Print: Event Graffiti; Rentals: Contemporary Furniture Rentals; Event Support: Firedog Creative; Stationery: Ferris Wheel Press