Does five trunks constitute a forest? Maybe we should call it a glade. A mossy glade at the edge of meadow somewhere. Whatever we call it, it has to be one of the most impressive multiple trunk bonsai anywhere. It doesn't hurt that the individual trees can stand on their own, especially the twin trunk tree on the right (the focal point). With or without the second trunk. The magnificent pot looks like an escarpment in the Rockies. Robert Steven took the photo at the 2012 BCI convention in Guangzhou, China.
We’ve been digging into forest type bonsai lately, so let’s just keep going (excavating).
The source for the photo doesn't say anything about it except that it's a Chinese elm (Ulmus parviflora aka parvifolia) forest. I'm not sure what Robert would say about the focal point (several trees are competing for my eye, though the gnarly one at the crest of the left hillock does make a strong statement). No matter, the overall effect is one of unity, depth and naturalness; reminiscent of Live oaks in the California Coast Range, though you'd be hard pressed to find a spot that green anywhere out there now.
Whoa! The sheer size and inventiveness of this mammoth planting is impressive to say the least, though I'm not sure how the two distinctly different parts belong together. In fact, the trees above and behind that appears so close to the viewer, betray the distant feel of the smaller trees in the front. Still, based on sheer magnitude and daring, this is a planting I'll always remember. The trees are Hedge maples (Acer campestre). I've seen this photo several places. This time it was here.
Recognize this? You probably do if you've been around for a while. If not, this is what a planting by a bonsai master might look like.
Here it is on the cover of one of the four or five best bonsai books in the English language (or any language). Available (of course) & on special at Stone Lantern.