Contest entry number eight by Jonathan Pessin. There’s something going on with this little juniper, though I’m not sure where’s it’s headed. Cascade? In any case, it’s potential will have a hard time developing in such a small pot. Most of the best shohin are grown in larger pots (or even in the ground) and then reduced. As it is, unrefined potential is probably the best description. I do like the heavy little trunk and think that over time and with some work the deadwood might add character. Maybe it could go all the way down to the base of the trunk and even be hollowed out some at the bottom. Is it just the photo, or is the wire already digging in?
Once again, let’s get this over with
Two more entries and we can award one of you a $100 gift certificate to Stone Lantern. What are you waiting for? Details here.
Mr. Schoech,
I was kind of going for a literati/cascade style. I only invested $10 for it, so the “importance” of style was in the back of my mind. I was just having fun with this little guy.
The wire is not cutting in, it has a credit card’s thickness between the wire and the branch. :-)
The tree was put in the pot in autumn by a bonsai nursery, I just transplanted it in a bigger pot. I love the idea of a hollow trunk, but of course, you know that I love old, gnarly, hollowed trees. Hope you are having a great day!
-Jon
Hi Jon,
I can’t imagine that it was in an even smaller pot!
Anyway, thanks for your submission and your comments. You’ll be hearing more about the contest soon.