This slanting Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) won the Finest classical Bonsai award at the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. It belongs to Gary Gunrow. Oscar Jonker's original photo of the whole display is below.
Slanting bonsai aren’t all that common. Especially ones like this Japanese red pine, where the entire crown is so far from being centered over the pot. What often amazes me about this style, is how the good ones (like this one) maintain the feeling of balance. In this case, I think it’s the trunk’s heavy base and nebari that provide a sense of stability. The heavy feel of the solid, dark pot doesn’t hurt either.
In a more subtle way, the long top left branch reaching back toward the center of gravity further enhances the sense of balance. And even the way the tips of several other branches point back to the left contribute to the effect.
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Here it is with its companion and next door neighbor. All the original photos in our current series of prize winners at the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition are by Oscar Jonker (Bonsai Empire).
Speaking of the 5th U.S. National, Hoe Chuah has some great photos and observations on his Bonsai Penjing & More blog.
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