This rafia wrapped Japanese white pine is the result of an unconventional (amazing might also apply) transformation by Masahiko Kimura. The original article appears in Bonsai Today issue 43. This photo also appears in our Pine book. Approx. height 37″ (94cm).
Up to his old tricks
The range and dept of Masahiko Kimura’s mastery knows almost no bounds; his highly imaginative and unconventional artistry have changed the way the world bonsai community views and practices bonsai (stay posted for more on the effects of Kimura’s work). The tree featured in this post is yet another example of Kimura’s genius.
You can do it!
If you pay close attention to the original (BT 43), you’ll see that no part of this technique is overly difficult. To be sure, great patience and attention to detail is required, but given the right tools, the right tree and plenty of time, anyone with a steady hand has a good chance of success.
Straight, no taper (not to mention bad branching and a very strange apex), the original is almost hopeless. This photo and 55 others that show the transformation in detail, appear in Bonsai Today issue 43 (still available).
Kimura uses a power saw to split the trunk. The angle of the blade in relation to the saw is unusual; the saw was most likely custom made for Kimura (he has several custom made power tools).
The main trunk has been split into several new smaller trunks.
Each new trunk is carefully wrapped with rafia.
Enough? Not enough?
This brief synopsis may be enough to get you started. However, if you want to see the whole process in detail, you can find it in Bonsai Today issue 43.
More Kimura?
You can see more of Masahiko Kimura’s bonsai and techniques in The Magician, Junipers, Pines and back issues of Bonsai Today magazine.
Pardon me, but HOLY **** THAT’S AMAZING
Is rafia better than using pruning sealer? He must have used it in places the rafia couldn’t be used such as the crotch of the cuts.
If you use sealer in a case like this where so there’s so much surface to cover, you’d need several tubes or jars. Raffia has the added advantage of holding a little moisture and especially of providing some support if you want to bend or twist any of the trunks.