Back Savers #4: Suthin’s Shohin 8/5/09

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Suthin Sukosolvisit shows some serious stuff (sorry) with this powerful shohin (small bonsai) display. This type multi-tree display is the way shohin bonsai typically appear in judged shows. Check out Morten Albek’s Shohin Bonsai to see the rules (written and unwritten) for shohin display.

Suthiin Sukosolvisit
I’ve long been a fan of Suthin’s. Not just because of his shohin (though he is best known for those), but because he shows mastery across a range of bonsai sizes and styles. Still, shohin is what this post is about, and when it comes to shohin, Suthin is one of the best artists around.

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This little masterpice looks like a Chinzan Azalea. But that’s just a guess. Suthin’s Royal Bonsai site doesn’t say.

Has concave cutters (and a winning smile), will travel
I just spoke with Dara, Suthin’s wife, who keeps things together when Suthin travels (in fact… but that’s another story). Suthin is in Milwaukee right now with Kentucky next in line. You can inquire about workshops, demos or private lesson at 781-344-6358 or royalbonsai@comcast.net. You can also make an appointment to visit Royal Bonsai.

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I’m pretty sure this is a Willowleaf ficus. I’ll even go farther and guess that the original stock came from Jim Smith of Vero Beach (Dura Stone). Maybe someone out there knows and can set the record straight.

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This one is so easy to identify that I won’t even say (you can comment). Whether or not it qualifies as a shohin, size wise, your guess is as good as mine (maybe better).