Styles and Styling
Styles and Styling
Twin-Trunk, Two-Trunk – Sokan
In Sokan style two trunks rise from a single base. The trunks generally touch and may be joined to a short distance above the nebari. In classic Japanese style one trunk is taller and thicker than the other, and both are clearl...
Styles and Styling
Clinging-to-a-rock – Ishizuke or Ishitsuki
In this style the roots of the tree grow in matter contained within the cracks and holes of the rock. Trees grown in a rock roots will double in size if compared to the same age and size of a tree grown in a bonsai pot. This is...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Root-Over-Rock – Sekijoju
In this style the rock is at the base of the trunk, with the roots exposed to varying degrees as they traverse the rock and then descend into the soil below. This style takes time to develop, the roots of the tree must be growi...
Progressions
Ficus Green Emerald Technique
This root-on-rock tree has been with me for 15 years. I decided to reduce its height, and in the month of January, 2010, I performed an air-layer, to develop some roots that would serve to feed the tree when it was grafted. The...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Semi-Cascade – Han-Kengai
Semi-cascade bonsai styles are very similar to cascade styles except for the fact that the tip of a semi-cascading bonsai does not grow below the base level of the pot.. When styling Semi-Cascade style be sure to Balance the vi...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Driftwood – Sharimiki
Also known as Shari Style in the U.S. This style portrays a tree with most of its trunk bare of bark; at least one strip of live bark must connect the leaves and living branches to the root system to transport water and nutrien...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Exposed-Root – Neagari
In this style the roots of the tree are exposed as extensions of the trunk, free from soil. Representing old trees which over time wind and rain have exposed the trees grasp on the earth. In Neagari style the roots can extend a...
Editorials
A Theory of Style
When I first wrote this post I wanted it to serve as a sort of transition between the raw mechanics of bonsai and the artistic aspects. Many of the disciplines we may call art are actually a blend of science and art. I use cook...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Slanting – Shakan
In this style the trunk is straight similar to the formal upright style. However, the slant style trunk emerges from the soil at an angle, and the apex of the bonsai will be located to the left or right of the nebari. This is ...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Wind-Swept – Fukinagashi
This style describes a tree that seems affected by strong winds twisting and shaping from one direction, this style is based on trees found high on a mountain top or on an ocean shoreline, The windswept characteristic can be ap...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Cascade – Kengai
This style is modeled after trees that grow over water or down the side of a mountain. Hiding within the crevices of the mountain side allow for many pad layers to develop as the tree keeps growing and reaching for space ...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Literati – Bunjingi
This style has a long flowing often contorted trunk line, with branches reduced to a minimum. In Japan, the literati style is known as bunjin-gi (文人木). (Bunjin is a translation of the Chinese phrase wenren meaning “schola...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Broom – Hokidachi
This style is employed for trees with extensive, fine branching. The trunk is straight and upright with noticeable taper from nebari to apex. It branches out in all directions about 1/3 of the way up the entire height of the tr...
Styles and Styling
Bonsai Styles: Informal Upright – Moyogi, Takichi
Similar to the formal upright style, branches progress regularly from largest at the bottom to smallest at the top. The trunk and branches incorporate visible curves, but the apex is located directly above the trunk’s ent...
