Nestled in a serene small alley in Shilin District of Taipei City, Taiwan, the Amy Liang Bonsai Museum (梁悅美盆栽文物藝術館), also known as the Purple Bonsai Garden (紫園), is a hidden gem that combines artistry and nature in a captivating display of miniature trees. Covering an area of 2.2 acres (8,925 square meters), this enchanting museum has become a popular destination for bonsai enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Amy Liang’s bonsai wonderland
As soon as visitors enter the Purple Bonsai Garden, they are transported into a world of miniature wonder. The museum boasts an exquisite collection of over 500 bonsai trees of 126 species, each carefully nurtured and pruned to perfection over time.
For more interesting images, please watch the following video on the Amy Liang Bonsai Museum.
These miniature masterpieces represent a harmonious blend of human creativity and horticulture, showcasing the intricate beauty of nature on a small scale. Of these collections, five were selected for Taiwanese stamps and one for a U.S. stamp.
Amy Liang’s achievements
Amy Liang has written 11 books on bonsai. In particular, The Living Art of Bonsai: Principles & Techniques of Cultivation & Propagation was voted as one of the top 10 best books of the year in the United States in 1991. Moreover, this book has been used as a bonsai textbook in over 20 countries.
Another book, entitled The Art of Bonsai, won Taiwan’s Golden Tripod Award for Publications (金鼎獎) in two different categories in 1990, which is the highest honor that can be awarded in the Taiwanese publishing industry.
Besides, her memoir, entitled The Revelations of Bonsai: 50-Year Milestone of Amy Liang and Her Bonsai Journey, was published on November 3, 2017. In addition to chronicling her life from childhood to adulthood, her career, and how her interest in bonsai supported her through difficult times, she also shared her valuable experiences while dedicating herself to the art of bonsai over the past half-century.
The educational significance of the Amy Liang Bonsai Museum
The Purple Bonsai Garden is not only a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a hub for bonsai education. Amy Liang’s commitment to sharing her knowledge and passion is evident through the museum’s workshops and guided tours. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history and techniques of bonsai cultivation, fostering a deeper appreciation for this ancient art form.
On top of that, Amy Liang has given over 150 lectures in more than 20 countries around the world and has taught at two U.S. universities for six years, as well as two Taiwanese universities for four years. In China alone, she has taught over 6,400 students since 1991.
Recognitions
Amy has devoted almost all of her time and energy to cultivating and promoting the art of bonsai over the past five decades. Because of her remarkable contribution to the bonsai community and her compassion for other people and her art, she is highly revered by people in bonsai circles at home and abroad.
She was honored with the World Bonsai Contribution Award by the World Bonsai Friendship Federation (WBFF 世界盆栽聯盟) and appointed as an international consultant to the WBFF. She also received the Lifetime Contribution Award for Bonsai Cultural Exchange across the Two Sides of the Taiwan Strait (海峽兩岸終身貢獻獎) in 1995.
Moreover, she was appointed as Honorary President of the Chinese Penjing Artists Association and won the honorary title of Bonsai Art Master of China (中國盆栽藝術大師) in the same year. In Taiwan, she is referred to as “Taiwan’s Mother of Bonsai.”
Conclusion
The Amy Liang Bonsai Museum is a testament to the dedication of its founder and a celebration of the delicate art of bonsai. It offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a world of miniature wonder.
Whether you are a bonsai enthusiast or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, a visit to this fantastic museum is sure to leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the beauty that can be found when artistry and nature unite in perfect harmony. The Amy Liang Bonsai Museum has been officially open since November 3, 2017, but it is only open to the public on a reservation basis.
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