This little pine clump with its shaggy too-long needles, aged lichen covered trunks and funky almost too-small pot is near perfect in its imperfect naturalness. From Shohin Bonsai World, Nishinomiya branch. For a detailed look at the ins and outs of pine bonsai, you might want to check out our Masters’ Series Pine book.
Think small
Little bonsai (shohin) may be he solution to your space problems. Or your money problems (smaller stock and pots are usually cheaper). Not to mention your aging back. Here’s a few that might help get you going. Don’t hesitate to comment, or even send photos.
I borrowed this cold little potentilla from Morten Albek’s site. Morten is the author of Shohin Bonsai (Stone Lantern Publishing).
You can find this powerful little elm by Caroline Scott in Shohin Bonsai (see above). Caroline is one of Europe’s most accomplished shohin bonsai artists (see her display below).
This powerfully sculpted little shimpaku is from Shohin Bonsai World.
This shohin display is by Caroline Scott (see above). In traditional bonsai shows, shohin are displayed in groups. For an explanation visit Morten Albek’s website. For more in depth explanations, see Morten’s book.
Rock on! Shohin really is the way to go, I’m young and pretty strong but I don’t want to have to wrestle with a tree any bigger than 10 inches tall… and to move the big ones- that sounds a lot like work… I would post some htings but nothing is “there” yet, maybe this spring after repotting…
Shohin are like collecting Faberge eggs – beautiful, small, concise – large bonsai are like giant redwoods – breath-taking, rugged, powerful. Delight in having some of both!
Shohin shows the heights we can reach and yet it can be in the palm of your hand. The magnificence of a will designed large tree will always demand attention and allow the mind to dream.
I just adore small bonsai, in fact I cannot understand why they are not more popular. You could even have shohin on the balcony of an apartment. Problem is always the same, if you have one you want more…and more. Caroline’s shohin are fantastic here displays are beautifully balanced. It’s people like Caroline and Morton that promote shohin in Europe, we can only applaud.