Bonsai trees and plants vary greatly in style and size. Miniature specimens, up to 6 inches tall, are usually naturally dwarf plants trained even smaller. Small bonsai stand up to 12 inches tall, and medium trees from 1 – 2 1/2 feet. Bonsai do not have to be small however, with some magnificent trees at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo growing more than six feet tall. These plants are hundreds of years old! The most important classification of style refers to the angle at which the trunk stands in the container. These range from the formal upright style, in which the trunk grows straight and vertical, to the full cascade, in which the bonsai tree is trained so that the upper growth sweeps down below the pot. The most popular bonsai styles today are the simple but relaxed forms such as the informal upright and leaning styles, together with small groups.
BONSAI STYLES
In the Japanese bonsai tradition, each bonsai must conform to a clearly defined style. There are more than 100 recognized styles in bonsai, but most experts consider five basic styles to be essential — formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade and semi-cascade. This guide will help you become
familiar with the essential bonsai styles and their Japanese names.
Formal Upright (Chokkan) - A bonsai tree trained in the formal upright style mimics the growth of a tree under perfect natural conditions. The most important requirement for this style is that the trunk must be perfectly straight, tapering naturally and evenly from bottom to top. The best species for training in the formal upright style are larches, junipers, pines and spruces because of their naturally tapered shape.
At the outdoor sales area of the Ueno Green Club bonsai (Japan), prebonsai, containers, tools, soil and seeds can be found for sale. Note many of the large size bonsai on the roof are sold as bare-root specimens.
Informal Upright (Moyogi) - In nature, trees bend or change their growth direction in response to their environment. They might grow away from the wind or other trees, or grow toward sunlight. The informal upright bonsai style represents this natural curve of a tree trunk in an imperfect environment. In the informal upright style, the top of the tree, its apex, is usually positioned directly over its base, so the overall effect is that of an upright tree. Most species of sturdy plants are suitable for training in this style, but the most popular are maples.
Slanting (Shakkan) - Trees slant naturally as a result of exposure to buffeting winds or deep shade when they are young. A bonsai tree trained in this style displays a trunk that leans to the left or right to imply a difficult childhood. Some bonsai trees that have been trained to slant look as if they will fall over because of the angle at which they lean. No need to worry, though – these trees have strong roots growing under the soil that support the tree’s weight. The slanting bonsai style is similar to the
informal upright, but in this style the tree’s apex is not directly over its base.
Cascade (Kengai) - The cascade style of bonsai calls to mind a weather-beaten old tree clinging to a cliff face. In this style, the tree’s growing tip extends below the base of its container. A cascade bonsai appears to be struggling against gravity or seeking out scant sunlight. The semicascade (han-kengai) bonsai style is similar to the cascade style. In this form, the tree grows over the rim of the
Juniper bonsai being airlayered
container but does not drop below the container’s base. Many species of plants will adapt to cascade training, as long as they are not strongly upright naturally. Juniper is a favorite for training in the cascade and semi-cascade styles.
Broom (Hokidachi) - A broom-style bonsai looks like a conventional handmade broom, turned upside down. Branches fan out from the top of a single straight trunk. This style imitates one of the common natural shapes of trees. Because the broom shape is so common in nature, broom-style bonsai trees are often considered to be the most realistic-looking. The
broom style, though, is considered an advanced technique and is difficult to achieve. Deciduous trees are the best candidates for training in this style, especially those with fine branches and leaves. The elm is the most popular species of tree used for growing and training in the broom style.
Windswept
(Fukinagashi) - The
windswept bonsai has all of its living branches facing the same direction, a training method creating the illusion of a tree that grew up in a very windy place. When done well, windswept bonsai trees can look as if they are still being lashed by the wind. The windswept effect can be applied to basic bonsai styles of trees, including formal or informal upright, slanting or semi-cascade trees. You may see a bonsai that fits into more than one styling category because of a combination of techniques The windswept style is most effectively applied to conifer species of trees. The effect is more difficult to achieve convincingly with deciduous trees because their leaves face in all directions.
Ficus eugenoides
Forest (Yose-ue) - Forest-style bonsai plantings consist of several trees of the same species growing in a single pot. In the Japanese tradition, trees are always planted in odd-numbered groups that are said to echo the randomness of nature. Although a bonsai forest is viewed from outside, the style is meant to give the viewer the sensation of actually being within a forest.
Juniperus phoeniacea thurbinatta
0 commenti :
Post a Comment