Feature Gallery
The Stands of Al Keppler
For years I suffered trying to find suitable stands for the proper display of bonsai. Stands were either too small, too large or had a raised border that made the top of the table nearly useless except for the exact shape pot needed to fill the recessed area. Out of necessity I found it challenging to experiment in building tables for display. Building tables that are complimentary to the tree and pot is an art unto itself. I have found the practice to be very therapeutic and enjoy the creativity whenever possible. Due to the extreme heat of the central valley California, I restrict by table building efforts to spring winter and fall. It is my hope that future articles about bonsai display and books about bonsai display will spend more time about the complex marriage of tree/pot and stand. This marriage cannot and should not be ignored. The stand has always been a very intricate part of the display and it is time that we started treating the stand as part of the image rather than a costly accessory.
Bonsai and photographs by Jim Smith
Personal collection, black walnut
Personal collection, black walnut
Personal collection, black walnut
Personal collection, Wenge
Stand owner Scott Straley, Redwood, USA, Pyracantha by Al Keppler
Personal collection, mahogany, Mountain maple by Al Keppler
Sold, Black walnut
Sold, Ash wood
Main stand by Al Keppler, black walnut, juniper by Marco Invernizzi, Boxwood by Gary Biggs
Personal collection, Australian lace wood, accent by Al Keppler
Sold, black walnut
Stand owner Garreth Shepard, USA, black walnut
Stand owner Bob Hilvers, USA, Australian lace wood
Stand owner Grey Anderson, USA, Australian lace wood
Stand owner of main stand Enga Wolfe, USA, black walnut, trees by Enga Wolfe
Personal collection, black walnut
Personal collection, Boccote
Personal collection, Poplar
Personal collection, black walnut
Stand owner Carl Bergstrom, USA, Black walnut, tree by Carl Bergstrom
Stand owner Will Heath, USA, Black walnut, tree and photograph by Vance Wood
