Bjorn’s Biggest Loser

After. This masterpiece Itoigawa Shimpaku was recently restyled by Bjorn Bjorholm at Keiichi Fujikawa’s Kouka-en Bonsai Nursery in Ikeda City, Japan, where Bjorn is currently an apprentice. The photo is from a post on Bjorn’s Bjorvala Bonsai Studio blog, as are all the photos in this post. The Biggest Loser In Bjorn’s own words… “This massive Itoigawa Shimpaku has a long history as a bonsai. It was first shown in the Kokufu-ten about 35 years ago, back in the days before the boom in major refinement techniques and quality occurred. Since then, it was purchased by several different owners and … Continue reading Bjorn’s Biggest Loser

Ramify!

Robert Steven’s simulation of an Olive that was submitted by Gary Howes (it’s Gary’s second time, here’s the first). Ramification. In the almost two and one half years since we ran our first critique by Robert Steven, he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of developing branching (ramification), particularly fine branching (secondary, tertiary and so forth). Especially if you want to create the feel of maturity on a young tree (or any tree for that matter). And though you can’t grow new branches overnight, it doesn’t take that long to get a good start. How long depends on a number of … Continue reading Ramify!

Windswept Bonsai Critique

Robert Steven’s simulation of a planting submitted by someone named Bob. In Robert’s words: “Above is my simulation that suggests a strong wind blown effect. I improved the ramification structure, reduced the foliage to enhance the movement of the lines, and eliminated the grasses to avoid irrelevant conditions.” Bob’s original is below. Bonsai mastery I have long been impressed by Robert Steven’s mastery of the art of bonsai and his skill and ease with windswept bonsai (surely one of the most subtle and demanding types of bonsai), illustrates that mastery. Bob’s original submission. Robert’s Critique Many people misunderstand that windswept … Continue reading Windswept Bonsai Critique

Robert Steven Critiques a Manchurian Pear

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Manchurian pear that was submitted by John. His original submission is below. Fall color bonus A while back we ran a few posts on fall color. This one qualifies for that group as well as a subject for a critique. In fact, it was the tree’s fall color that prompted John to send it to us. Now with John’s good-natured permission, Robert gets a crack at it. Autumn in March John lives in Australia (but far from the flooding). So this photo was taken while late winter snow was still on the ground here in … Continue reading Robert Steven Critiques a Manchurian Pear

Better Now? Revisiting Mario’s Famous Hornbeam

The latest incarnation of Mario Komsta’s extraordinary and now somewhat famous Hornbeam. Balance Is the balance better now (comparing the photo above with the earlier photo immediately below)? Does the elongated first branch (left) help to counter balance the slight rightward lean of the apex? The base of the trunk The base of the trunk appears stronger in the earlier photo below. Is it just the photo, or does the extended branching and the new pot diminish the power of the base? Ramification No matter what our thoughts about balance and the base of the trunk, the impeccable patience and … Continue reading Better Now? Revisiting Mario’s Famous Hornbeam

Weeping Bald Cypress Critique by Robert Steven

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Bald cypress that was submitted by Mac McAtee (see below for Mac’s original). It will cost you absolutely nothing (except maybe a little pride) Email us a photo of your bonsai and we’ll submit it to Robert Steven for a critique. Robert is a world renowned bonsai author, teacher and artist (you could say bonsai master, but I tend to shy away from using the term) and we are delighted to be the recipients of his generous offering of his time and expertise (how’s that for a string of prep phrases?). Normally you would pay … Continue reading Weeping Bald Cypress Critique by Robert Steven

What About Refining Bonsai?

One page of a sixteen page article on refining branches, from Bonsai Today issue 13 (long out of print, but we’ve bought back a few old issues and are offering them at antique prices at Stone Lantern). Do you really care about refining bonsai? Years ago I heard an old Japanese master say that the primary difference between Japanese and Western bonsai is refinement. I concur; at the time, most Westerners we not taking the time and trouble to develop fine branching (and other things) to the extent that the Japanese were. Now, though much has changed and Western bonsai … Continue reading What About Refining Bonsai?

Developing Ramification on Deciduous Bonsai: 3

The third and final set of illustrations in the series (first set, second set). This one deals primarily with shaping with wire after the pinching and pruning has been completed. I suspect that where it say RESTRAINING NEW SHOOTS (top left corner), it should say TRAINING NEW SHOOTS. From Bonsai Today issue 66. Training new shoots The final step in our series is on training the new shoots. Notice how it is suggested that you do it sooner rather than later after the shoots have started to harden. Shaping with wire is almost always the best way, though sometimes just … Continue reading Developing Ramification on Deciduous Bonsai: 3

Developing Ramification on Deciduous Bonsai

These illustrations represent a page from Bonsai Today issue 66 (in stock at Stone Lantern). It’s the first of a five page series on ramification (branching) that we are running over two posts. Ramification equals branch development Ramification literally means branch development, or how branches growing. However, when it comes to the art of bonsai (and especially deciduous bonsai) it has come to mean branch development that displays a couple key features: taper and fine branching. These features are critical when it comes to developing quality deciduous bonsai. Deciduous trees develop rapidly…. … but they also lose their shape rapidly. … Continue reading Developing Ramification on Deciduous Bonsai