Mountains in the Sea - the Vietnamese Miniature Landscape Art of Hon Non Bo de Phan Van Lit & Buller, Lew - 2001

Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 2001. Well illustrated, large 8vo, pp 232, very slight age-toning to the margins, otherwise a very good copy in dustwrapper which is showing the slightest signs of use. [No one knows when Hon Non Bo, or Vietnamese miniature landscape art, began, but creating a scenic landscape in miniature has been a special pastime for Vietnamese people for hundreds of years. The duplication of nature in an artfully reduced scale is now appreciated by many Westerners as well. Lit Phan and Buller's unique new book is a comprehensive and exciting introduction to this elaborate natural art form that is akin to---but different in essential ways from---the more familiar art of bonsai. The book begins with an introduction to the scenic highlights of the landscape and unique geography of Vietnam. Subsequent chapters provide historical details on cultural and philosophical traditions of Hon Non Bo, followed by in-depth information of both an aesthetic and practical nature on how to create elegant and meaningful examples of miniature landscapes. The detailed text is complemented by fine color photos documenting the creative process and providing excellent samples of finished work. Both inspirational and practical, this handsome book is sure to introduce many new devotees to the art of Hon Non Bo.]. First Edition. Cloth. Very Good/Very Good.