This perfect curlycue has to be among the all time greats when it comes to distinctive deadwood. The tree belongs to the very talented Minoru Akiyama. The photo appears just the way I found it, with the apex and most of the pot missing.
The art of carving bonsai deadwood was popularized by Masahiko Kimura and his custom power tools back in the 80s and 90s. Now a couple decades later amazing deadwood (and not so amazing deadwood) is everywhere with more and more outrageously wild examples popping up.
Though this explosion of jin and shari is not everyone’s cup of tea, it has undeniably altered the art of bonsai and provided a range of new techniques, tools and possibilities. And a fertile ground for discussion and argument.
Though there are several worthy pioneers in the deadwood art, two of my favorites have long been Mr. Kimura and Francois Jeker. Now after enjoying Minoru Akiyama photos, it’s time to make room for a third.
Cropped and enlarged for a closer look.
Jin (deadwood branches), shari (deadwood on trunks) and less common sabamiki (hollow trunk). Though Junipers reign as the deadwood kings, you sometimes see distinctive deadwood on Pines.
Deadwood and more deadwood. This one may be Minoru’s signature tree.
It’s hard to imagine a greater contrast in textures than in these two photos (just above and just below).
An explosion of detailed carving.
Behind all great bonsai artists are a great collection of tools (you probably guessed that Minoru is the gentleman on the right).
Bonsai Book Sale. Because we are now offering all of our bonsai books at the ridiculously large 30% to 40% off, I thought you just might like to see a few books that directly relate to this post.
Not only is Francois Jeker a deadwood artist extraordinaire, he’s also an accomplished teacher and the author Bonsai Aesthetics 1 and 2.
Masahiko Kimura is aptly nicknamed ‘The Magician.’
Junipers and Pines. And because three of the trees above are Junipers and one is a Pine…
Thanks for Bonsai Bark it gives me my daily dose of Bonsai. In your photo of Minoura with the tools, The other Artist is Sean Smith, an Artist in his own ie Stones, woodwork, & Bonsai, and they are his tools. Minoura was in this Hot Bed of Bonsai Harrisburg, PA and gave workshops that were Great. Just in case you wanted to correct your comments. Thanks again Wayne, Ron