This Juniperus chinensis parsonii, that started as an urban yamadori in 2007 (height 26″), was submitted by Patrick Giacobbe. In addition to this submission, Patrick has contributed to Bonsai Bark with his comments on a bonsai that was submitted by John Romano.
Bunjin or not bunjin?
The pot and the almost branchless trunk with its twisted unconventional lines suggest a bunjin (literati) style tree. However the heavy top is unbunjin-like, and the tree is planted on one side of its round pot, rather than near the center as you normally find. None of this is necessarily a problem, you are free to do what you want with your bonsai. If you want to follow Japanese or other bonsai conventions, or not, is up to you.
An unusual trunk
Without a doubt, it’s the trunk that makes this tree. It is both strong and unusual. It’s strength lies in the deadwood and the contrast between the deadwood and the living veins, and its unusual shape. Normally, a sudden sharp change of direction followed by a long straight stretch, would pose serious problems. But in this case it’s okay, at least to my eye. I think the interest created by the gnarly shari at the bottom and the way the top third of the trunk flows softens the effect of the long straight stretch.
Refinement
It’s been said that if there is a problem with North American bonsai, it’s lack of refinement. This tree, with its interesting unique trunk and somewhat unrefined top, points to this issue. Is it a problem? I guess it depends on your point of view. If it’s up to me, I’d like to see at least half of the foliage mass on the top removed (if you don’t like it, you can always let it grow back). From there, we would be able to see if more shaping might improve the top. Anyone else?