Professional Make-Up. David Prescott

The tree is complemented by the juxtaposition of an ancient scroll and an accent piece which may be a suiseki (viewing stone) or other harmonious object. The composition achieves its aim by fostering a sense of serenity in the viewer.

      A sensitive display of a flowering bonsai that does not look out of place in a Western home.

      According to custom, two other elements are included in the display: a scroll on the wall behind it, a sympathetic scene from nature, or some calligraphy; and an accent feature. The accent item may be a viewing stone (suiseki), a plant (grass, perhaps, or an alpine) or a second, smaller bonsai.

      At home there’s no need for you to go to such lengths to display your bonsai in the dignified manner considered appropriate in the East. The important thing is that you keep the display simple. The only essentials comprise a backdrop consisting of a blank wall, with a plain level surface placed in front of it. It is practical to have a raised surface on which to stand the tree, if only to protect your furniture. A small table or perhaps a mat made of split bamboo looks appropriate and attractive. A friend of mine has used an inverted plain wooden tea-tray to great effect.

      You may dispense with the scroll but an accent of some kind enlivens the display. Make sure that your choice of feature is in harmony with the bonsai. A rugged, weather-beaten style of bonsai might be accented by a cool, smooth viewing stone, representing a mountain, or by a small alpine plant. A colourful lowland maple would be enhanced by a pot of wild or meadow grasses.

      If your trees live out of doors, bring them in for only a few days at a time. Longer, and they sulk when put back out again.

      A suiseki, or viewing stone, often used as an accent in a bonsai display.