"Laowai" in China | Canadian bonsai artist's enduring passion for Chinese bonsai heritage

CHENGDU, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Hailing from Vancouver in Canada, Chad Sinclair, 46, has lived in China for over 20 years and is deeply fond of Sichuan bonsai, one of the major traditional bonsai schools in China.

To delve deeper into the art of bonsai, Sinclair and his wife rented a small traditional courtyard in Chongzhou, one of the birthplaces of traditional Sichuan bonsai, and named it "White Bear Bonsai Garden."

Chad Sinclair prunes a bonsai work at the White Bear Bonsai Garden in Chongzhou, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on April 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Chen)

Chad Sinclair prunes a bonsai work at the White Bear Bonsai Garden in Chongzhou, southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Chen)

In the garden, bonsai trees, crafted from golden bamboo, moss, grasses and unique stones, are frequently adorned with custom-made ceramic figurines portraying ancient Chinese poets, monks and musicians. These figurines may be seated, reclining, gazing upward, or engaged in musical performances, creating a scene of serene harmony.

The art of bonsai is also known as "Penjing" in Chinese. Sichuan bonsai, known for its twisted tree trunks and majestic rocks, has gained widespread recognition. In 2011, Sichuan bonsai techniques were included in China's national intangible cultural heritage list.

"People in Sichuan create bamboo bonsai resembling bamboo forests, which fascinates me. Compared to trees, I prefer bamboo," Sinclair said, explaining the profound bond he sees between bonsai and bamboo.

Chad Sinclair prunes a bonsai work at the White Bear Bonsai Garden in Chongzhou, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on April 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Chen)

After years of research, Sinclair has gradually developed his own bonsai style. His works integrate the simplicity of the West with the artistic essence of China, emphasizing the overall landscape effect, and meticulous material selection and layout.

This undated file photo shows a bonsai work of Chad Sinclair. (Xinhua)

Today, Sinclair is a well-known bonsai artist in Chengdu. The ongoing International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu has also offered him an excellent platform to introduce Sichuan bonsai to the world. Through endorsements, Sinclair was appointed as one of the 12 promotion ambassadors for the horticultural exhibition.

Chad Sinclair takes photos of exhibits at the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Chen)

Chad Sinclair visits a bonsai garden in Wenjiang District of Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on April 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Chen)

In the future, Sinclair plans to establish larger studios in Sichuan and Canada to introduce Chinese bonsai to more people and use bonsai culture as a bridge for communication between China and his hometown.

Chad Sinclair visits UK Elizabeth's Garden of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Chen)

Chad Sinclair visits a bonsai garden in Wenjiang District of Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Chen)

Photographer: Xue Chen

Editors: Hu Zhixuan, Zhou Dixiao, Chu Jiayin, Zhang Chuanqi, Meng Chenguang, Mu Wenchun

China Story Studio