National Bonsai Museum in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
What shape do you see?
(Hint: It is not a tree)
Most bonsai are modeled after natural trees in nature. However, about 400 years ago, it was popular in China to train potted trees into shapes of animals, especially the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which includes the dragon. This tree was created to look like a Chinese dragonits head on the right side; its tail is on the left. It is unusual to see a tree in this historical style outside of China, especially one made by a Chinese-American.
Erected by U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Asian Americans • Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 54.759′ N, 76° 58.121′ W. Marker was in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in National Bonsai Museum. It could be reached from Meadow Road Northeast just west of Ellipse Road Northeast, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington DC 20002, United States of America.
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: An Art Form Is Born (a few steps from this marker); Inherited Wealth (a few steps from this marker); Bonsai Pioneer (within shouting distance of this marker); "There are no borders in bonsai " (within shouting distance of this marker); Branching Out (within shouting distance of this marker); National Bonsai & Pensing Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named If trees could talk (within shouting distance of this marker); Timeless Trees (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northeast Washington.
Another marker is no longer nearby.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 3, 2024
2. What shape do you see? Marker
The marker is missing from the Dragon Penzai of Stanley Chinn.
Photographed by Peggy Greb/USDA
3. What shape do you see? Marker
Part of the penjing collection at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, this trident maple, Acer buergerianum, has its roots growing over a rock and its foliage and stems trimmed in the shape of a dragon.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 11, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on November 10, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on November 6, 2024.
