New York Times Highlights Thai Design

NY Times August 2010

Stylish Bonsai from Phillips Collection
Stylish Bonsai from Phillips Collection

CURRENTS | GARDENS

Phillips Collection’s New Bonsai Sculpture

By JOYCE WADLER

Published: August 11, 2010

All wood products, when you think about it, are made of dead wood. But few have the poignancy of Phillips Collection’s new “end of life” Bonsai Sculpture Collection: dead bonsai trees or branches from Thailand that have been bleached and mounted on iron bases, and, as shown, can be placed in a shapely polished aluminum and resin vase.

“We just call it ‘The Bonsai Collection,’ ” said Mark Phillips, the company’s co-owner. “ ‘End of life’ doesn’t have as beautiful a ring, although it accurately describes it.” Too bad — “end of life” was such an evocative phrase.

The sculptures cost about $200 to $2,000 and range in size from 18 inches to five feet tall. The vase sells for $987. They are intended for indoor use and are excellent for those who do not have a green thumb. Information: (877) 744-5547 or phillipscollection.com.

A version of this article appeared in print on August 12, 2010, on page D3 of the New York edition.

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