After. Ezo spruce by Tomohisa Fujikawa. From Bonsai Today issue 50.
Changing the planting angle is only part of the story
At first glance you might think that just changing the planting angle is the whole story here. True, it’s a big part of the story and changing the planting angle so radically and making it look so natural is no mean feat. But if you take a closer look at the before picture (below) and the after picture (above) you might notice that there’s more than first meets the eye.
The whole story
If you’d like to see a step-by-step (pictures and text) explanation of how this remarkable tree was so radically transformed, check out Bonsai Today issue 50 (available at Stone Lantern). .
Before. With a little wiring and a little trimming, you could leave it as it is and still have an exceptional bonsai.
A little creative thinking. If you mask the top of the tree (after the transformation), this is what you come up with.
Hah, you are funny Waine, “with a little wiring, a little trimming & a little creative thinking…”
A “little” great & fantastic job here, congrats Mr. Fujikawa.
PS: I am wondering about the roots… nevermind, piece of cake ;-)
Thanks Al,
But, piece of cake?
Just kidding, WaYne.
Actually… Did he use moss or something to keep it wet?
The article doesn’t say or show how he did that part. It was more about design issues rather than technique. Particularly how he had to change the branches once he changed the planting angle.
Aha. I just took another look at your original comment Al. Seems I missed your ;-) the first time. Yeah, it was no doubt a challenging task, not one to be taken lightly by mere mortals. I imagine he did use moss (sphagnum) or something like that to keep the roots moist during the rerooting process.