The Art of Illusion

The profusion of such tiny figures make this tree look absolutely massive. This effect is not an accident. Whoever put this together has a masterful grasp of spatial relations, perspective, the art of illusion… however you want to say it. He or she is also a very accomplished bonsai artist. Just the tree would stand alone as a superior tropical bonsai. We don’t post that often on Penjing tray plantings, but the photo above was just too good to pass up. It was posted by Sanjay Dham on Bonsai Club India. Sanjay’s caption says only “From China Penjing & Scholars … Continue reading The Art of Illusion

Growing Superior Pine Bonsai

One of the most famous Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora) bonsai in the world. After restyling by Masahiko Kimura (aka the Magician). This photo is from the White pine gallery in our Masters’ Series Pine Book. If you would like to grow pine bonsai, there no better place to start (and continue) than with our Masters Series Pine book. We’ll show you just a few photos and illustrations along with the Table of Contents, so you’ll have some idea of the depth and scope of this remarkable book. Though I know this post reads suspiciously like an infomercial (our Pine … Continue reading Growing Superior Pine Bonsai

Moon Pine & a Masterful Moment

I like everything about this Japanese white pine and its Moon pot. Except maybe the clutter on the left, the color was enhanced a bit too much, no variety is given and there’s no attribution. Still, it’s a beautiful bonsai that I’m happy to share. As the whole world migrates to social media, so goes bonsai. People and groups that used to have websites and blogs now appear only on facebook. Which is where I found the photos shown here and where we get about half the material for this blog (which also appears on facebook, of course). In this … Continue reading Moon Pine & a Masterful Moment

Still More Sacrificing & Bonsai Eccentricities

Sometimes it’s helpful to break a bonsai down into its constituent parts. What you might see in this case, is a somewhat classical root-over-rock Trident maple bonsai accentuated by two rather long, undulating branches on either side. For some of us, there might be a temptation to cut them off; to revert to something safer and more recognizable as bonsai. But sometimes it’s a good idea to think twice before acting. You can always cut a branch off later, but you can’t put it back on. The photo is from the National Bonsai Foundation’s 2013 calendar. At least two points … Continue reading Still More Sacrificing & Bonsai Eccentricities

More Sacrificing – No Ceremonial Drums, Just Sharp Shears Required

The styling on this Juniper is almost done (at least for now). The exception is the sacrifice branch on the top. The artist, Mr Toshinori Suzuki, has decided to leave it on to strengthen the tree’s apex. When he is satisfied with the apex, he’ll sacrifice the branch. No ceremonial drums, just sharp shears required. Most trees are apically dominant (most of the tree’s energy and thus growth, tends to flow up into the apex). However, most junipers, including this one, are laterally dominant (most of the energy flows into lower lateral branches). In order to develop a new apex … Continue reading More Sacrificing – No Ceremonial Drums, Just Sharp Shears Required

Sacrificing for Better Bonsai

The huge girth and dramatic taper on this powerful Satsuki azalea, were achieved primarily through the use of sacrifice branches. In fact, some are still being employed to help thicken the primary branches. This photo is from The Magician: The Bonsai Art of Kimura 2, by Stone Lantern Publishing. I just received an email from Morten Albek about a new post on sacrifice branches on his Shohin Bonsai blog (I pity the poor English teacher reading this). NOTE: it was just pointed out to me that this reads as though I am mocking Morten’s English, but what I was trying … Continue reading Sacrificing for Better Bonsai

Bonsai Wizardry in Portland (again)

Looking up from below. This is a cropped version of a photo taken by Greg Brenden at the opening of American Bonsai Mirai exhibit at the Wieden & Kennedy gallery in Portland Oregon. Greg’s uncropped photo is below. Another Bonsai Mirai groundbreaking public event. Greg Brenden attended the opening of American Bonsai Mirai– Wieden & Kennedy gallery in Portland Oregon and posted these photos. I’ve done a little cropping to bring the trees a little closer. Greg’s original photos are below (plus one from Ryan Neil that gives a unique view of the exhibit). Greg Brenden’s uncropped original. I like … Continue reading Bonsai Wizardry in Portland (again)

Defoliation – Before & After

A Shohin Trident maple before & after defoliation by Harry Harrington. Just to give you some perspective, this sturdy little tree is only 8″ (20cm) high. It’s time to defoliate. Early summer heat is causing leaves to become oversized. With some deciduous bonsai (especially maples) defoliation works wonders. Not only are the new leaves smaller, but they tend to produce better fall color. Most defoliation is a one-time-per-summer, per-tree occasion. If you live where the summers are very long, it’s possible to defoliate twice in one summer.* Be careful though. If there isn’t enough time to fully recover before cold … Continue reading Defoliation – Before & After

Wiring Your Bonsai – Copper or Aluminum?

Like most bonsai, this one has been wired (if you take a close look you’ll see some wire). It’s a collected California juniper by Warren Hill, from the gallery section of our Masters Series Juniper Book (now 25% off our already discounted prices). It’s time to reach back into our archives once again (from May, 2013 with some changes). Most bonsai are wired. In fact, bonsai that have been around for a long time may have been wired repeatedly. There are reasons for this, not the least of which is, it is often difficult to get decent results without wire. … Continue reading Wiring Your Bonsai – Copper or Aluminum?

Still Bonsai Crazy

After Uchi-san’s magic touch. Here’s what Mark Fields has to say about this tree: “Uchi-San just finished up styling the big taxus. It took about 16 hours to complete. Ready for the big show now! We know the pot is too big for the tree. We will repot in spring.” This post originally appeared in October, 2014. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tree styled like this one. But then, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a bonsai artist quite like Bonsai Crazy Uchi. Mark Fields is an American bonsai artist and owner of Bonsai By Fields in Greenwood … Continue reading Still Bonsai Crazy