Bonsai Japanese Maple
About Basic Bonsai Styles by Patrick Desnoyers
Bonsai, as a Japanese art form, is more regulated than it’s Chinese counterpart, the penjing. Bonsai attempts to achieve the ideal tree, while penjing attempts to reproduce nature. This is why perfect styling exists in bonsai if you obey the ‘rules’, while penjing leave you free to your creation. As a result these are the basic styles :
Broom (Hokidachi or Hoki-zukuri)
A very harmonious style, this form has branches that develop at a certain height, forming an upside broom. This styling is mainly achieved through a technique called the “V” cut. The trunk is chopped where you want the branch to start to develop and then a deep V cut is performed on the remaining trunk. This will induce buds to break near the cut. Zelkova serrata are notorious for this styling but maple and other deciduous species can easily be styled that way.
Formal Upright (Chokkan)
A tree styled the “chokkan” way has a straight trunk tapering graciously from bottom to top. The first and biggest branch is often situated at 1/3 of the desired height of the tree and is on the right or the left. The following branch is situated on the opposite side, while the third is in the back creating the perception depth. As we look at the branch structure from bottom to top, the branches are getting thinner, creating a pyramidal shape.
Informal Upright (Moyogi)
This style is very similar to the previously mentionned style as the same rules of design apply, however, the trunk is not straight but rather forms a sinuous shape while remaining tapered. This style is commonly used with conifers.
Slanting (Shakan)
Once again, this style is the same as the formal upright except that the trunk is leaning on one side. Branches are grown uniformly on the trunk like the formal/informal upright styles but the apex is tilted to the opposite side of the trunk giving a visual balanced effect.
Cascade (Kengai)
This styling requires an inclined trunk that is preferably at a 45 degree angle. The major portion of the foliage is below the pot line and sometimes goes beyond the pot itself. It often represents a tree growing on the side of cliff. A deep pot is used for this style.
Semi-cascade (Han-Kengai)
Similar to the Kengai style, this style also has an inclinated trunk. However, the foliage remains at the height of the pot line. In nature, we can see this style near a waterway, the foliage having grown on the side and leaning towards the water. While the cascade style uses a deeper pot, this style uses a medium depth pot.
Windswept (Fukinagashi)
A “windswept” tree represents a tree that has been growing in a certain shape due to natural elements. Often caused by strong wind, the trunk is always inclinated in a certain direction and all branches have grown on the same side.
Literati (Bunjin)
This styling is often represented in Japanese paintings. It is a tree with a tall and sinuous trunk. The foliage only grows near the summit of the tree. This styling is somewhat an exception to the rigorous rules of bonsai because it does not have specific rules. It represents what the bunjin movement is in Japan: the search for liberty.
Group/Forest (Yose-ue)
This styling often represents a forest or a small cluster of trees. It is supposed to be styled in a way that will clearly represent the growing habits of trees in a group. Many techinques can be used to achieve this styling and many perception techniques are used to create the illusion of a forest, or as Naka would say, “having the quality of the invisible beauty of nature”. To respect the Japanese art form, an odd number of trees is prefered for this styling.
Raft (Ikadabuki)
The same rules of the group planting apply to this style. However, all of the trunks emerge from one common trunk. This technique is often achieved with a branch placed verticaly in the soil. The roots form this branch and the upper part of the vertical branch develop secondary branches that will eventually become the trunks.
Multi-trunk Style (Sokan – Sankan)
This multi-trunk style has different possibilities. The first, which is called “Sokan”, consists of two trunks emerging from the same visible roots (nebari). The styling of the upper part of the tree must respect the same rules as the formal / informal upright styles previously described. Another variance consists of the same but with three trunks emerging from the visible roots. This is called “Sankan”. You can also have more than three trunks but to respect Japanese Bonsai, it is prefered to have an odd number of trunks.
Roots Over Rock (Ishitsuki)
This styling has the specific charactreristics of having many visible roots growing over a rock and finding their way to the pot/soil.
We hope this as been an informative experience from you.
Patrick from Misho Bonsai Seeds
About the Author
Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. As been practicing bonsai and gardening for more then 8 years. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com, a website with resource for Bonsai
seeds and tree seeds.
|
|
Artificial Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree – Small $84.85 Please allow up to 14 days for delivery. Handcrafted Japanese Maple bonsai tree with artificial foliage and a preserved Grapewood trunk. |
|
|
Artificial Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree – Large $249.95 Please allow up to 14 days for delivery. Handcrafted Japanese Maple bonsai tree with artificial foliage and a preserved Grapewood trunk. |
|
|
Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree (acer palmatum) $700 Palmate leaves with red spring color. A slow grower with small leaves and nice form. Deciduous. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese Green Maple Bonsai Tree (acer palmatum) $695 Palmate leaves with red spring color. A slow grower with small leaves and nice form. Deciduous. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese green Maple Bonsai Tree Seeds $3.95 Propagation instructions are included with each packet. |
|
|
Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree (acer palmatum) $295 Insignificant yellow-white flowers in May. Yellow and bronze autumn color. Deciduous. Keep outdoors. 29 years old. 14″ x 13″ x 31″. Potted in an 11″ hexagon unglazed container with etched designs, as shown. |
|
|
Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree – Small (acer palmatum ‘atropurpurea’) $39.95 Red leaves. This is the famous Japanese Maple which has finely dissected palmette shaped leaves (deeply cut like the palm of the hand). Beautiful tree that will lend a soft, delicate texture to a patio, deck, balcony or garden. Deciduous. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree – Small $149 We make it easy for you to decorate your home with our realistic japanese maple silk bonsai trees, discount prices available at Silkflowers.com |
|
|
Japanese Green Maple Bonsai Tree – Small (acer palmatum) $39.95 Hardy and easy to grow, this delicate Maple will look great on a patio, deck or garden. Provide sun in order to show best colors both in early spring and late into the season. Deciduous. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree – Large $199 View our large selection of silk bonsai trees & lifelike artificial plants |
|
|
Artificial Japanese Cedar Bonsai Tree $39.95 Artificial Japanese Cedar bonsai tree. |
|
|
Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree – Large (Acer Palmatum Atropurpurea) $69.95 Purplish-red becoming green in late summer, deeply lobed. Red fall color. Insignificant small reddish-purple flowers in May-June. Deciduous. Keep outdoors. Available 12 months a year. Will have no foliage during winter months. |
|
|
Artificial Japanese Pine Bonsai Tree $29.95 Artificial Japanese Pine Bonsai tree with 103 leaves |
|
|
Artificial Japanese Boxwood Bonsai Tree $19.95 Artificial Japanese Boxwood bonsai tree with 49 leaves |
|
|
Japanese Wind Chime Set Maple Leaves $59.95 Our Maple Leaf Wind Chime set is the authentic thing. Imported cast iron Japanese 5 piece wind chime set with intricate 2 dimentional design. |
|
|
Japanese Red Maple Seeds $3.95 Propagation instructions are included with each packet. |
|
|
Artificial Japanese Tea Leaf Bonsai Tree $39.95 Artificial Japanese Tea Leaf bonsai tree. |
|
|
Ceramic Japanese Bonsai Pot – Rectangle 6.5×4.5×2.25 $8.95 Imported Japanese bonsai pot, rectangle, black |
|
|
Japanese Flowering Cherry Bonsai Tree (prunus serrulata) $79.95 Few trees exemplify the spirit of Japanese bonsai more than a lovely cherry in bloom. Displays abundant pink and white flowers in spring followed by black fruits. Decideous. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree – Pre Bonsai (pinus thunbergii) $29.95 Stiff dark green needles (3″-5″ long) occur in pairs. Large, grayish-white terminal buds help distinguish it from other pines. Much sought after in bonsai and takes many years to achieve the look of a superior specimen bonsai. Hardy. Likes sun. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree (pinus thunbergii) $59.95 Stiff dark green needles (3″-5″ long) occur in pairs. Large, grayish-white terminal buds help distinguish it from other pines. Much sought after in bonsai and takes many years to achieve the look of a superior specimen bonsai. Hardy. Likes sun. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Artificial Cedar Bonsai Tree – Group Planting $249.95 Artificial Japanese Cedar bonsai tree. Three (3) tree group. |
|
|
Hanes Bonsai Sweatshirt – Extra Large $34 Top quality embroidered long sleeve bonsai sweatshirt. Multi-colored Japanese Black Pine bonsai tree embroidered design. Top quality cotton/poly blend. |
|
|
Japanese Larch Bonsai Tree (larix leptolepsis) $79.95 Also known as ‘Larix Kaempferi’. The very beautiful Larch is an unusual genus, one of the handful of decideous conifers which is very popular among bonsai growers around the world. Unlike many conifers, Larix cones are purplish in color and are quite small and seem in proportion to most sizes of bonsai. The color of the foliage is bright lime green at the start of the season, bright to dark green during the summer and yellow to bronze in the autumn. |
|
|
Japanese Bonsai Soil Brown Akadama – 22 lbs. (14 Liters) (11 Qts.) $39.95 Used for all kinds of bonsai trees. Mix with other bonsai soils or use by itself. Flashed fired soft volcanic clay. |
|
|
Japanese Bonsai Soil Akadama Brown – 2 lbs. (1.6 Liters) (1 Qt.) $13.95 Used for all kinds of bonsai trees. Mix with other bonsai soils or use by itself. Flashed fired soft volcanic clay. |
|
|
Flowering Japanese Wisteria Bonsai Tree (wisteria floribunda) $59.95 This delightful wisteria we’ve all admired on a pergola or arbor has now been trained into a classic tree form. With its shiny, bright green foliage which falls in the autumn, and fragrant pea-like purple flowers dangling in clusters, this bonsai tree is a magnificent show stopper when in bloom. |
|
|
Japanese Kingsville Boxwood Bonsai Tree (buxus microphylla compacta) $185 Native to Japan the Kingsville Boxwood is an extremely slow growing tree. It has the smallest leaf of all Boxwoods which is why it is sought after for bonsai. The Kingsville Boxwood is an evergreen tree with light green leaves and has excellent branching characteristics. A great indoor bonsai tree recommended by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. |
|
|
Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree – Curved Trunk (pinus thunbergii) $74.95 Stiff dark green needles (3″-5″ long) occur in pairs. Large, grayish-white terminal buds help distinguish it from other pines. Much sought after in bonsai and takes many years to achieve the look of a superior specimen bonsai. Hardy. Likes sun. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese Birch Bonsai Tree Seeds $3.95 Propagation instructions are included with each packet. |
|
|
Japanese Flowering Quince Bonsai Tree (chaenomles ‘toyo-nishiki’) $69.95 Rare combination of red, white and pink flowers compose a rousing floral display in late winter and throughout early spring. Prized in Japan for bonsai, jam making and for it’s large colorful blooms. Deciduous. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese Flowering Quince Bonsai Tree (chaenomles ‘texas scarlet’) $595 Early spring red flowers compose a rousing floral display in late winter and throughout early spring. Prized in Japan for bonsai, jam making from its fruit, and its large colorful blooms. Has attractive exfoliating bark. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Japanese Bonsai Soil – Tokonome Brand Red Akadama – 18 lbs. (10 Liters) (9 Qts.) $69.95 Used for all kinds of Bonsai Trees. Mix with other soils or use by itself. Volcanic clay, high fired at 2200 F. |
|
|
Bonsai $29.84 The art of growing miniature potted trees. In Japanese culture these graceful creations are often displayed in living rooms as symbols of the beauty of nature. It is a true art form that requires special techniques such as pruning, wiring, fertilizing, and watering. People not only enjoy its visual appearance but also appreciate the effort put into their creation. In the Edo period, bonsai arose as a popular hobby among the people, and it is still a popular pastime for enthusiasts all over the world. Because people of high birth, such as the imperial family, loved bonsai, it has come to be considered more art than simply a hobby. This book is a collection of exquisite photographs of bonsai grouped by month–featuring many seasonal examples of these miniature trees from January to December. |
|
|
Shimpaku Juniper Bonsai Tree – Trained (juniper chinensis) $64.95 The Japanese Shimpaku Juniper is a needled evergreen tolerant of a wide variety of soils and is dioecious which means that there are separate male and female plants. Shimpaku is a naturally irregular vase shaped Juniper which we have trained in the traditional bonsai style. The Shimpaku has attractive year round foliage and its dark green needles are soft to the touch. Very popular and easy to care for bonsai. |
|
|
Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree Seeds $3.95 Propagation instructions are included with each packet. |
|
|
Japanese Bonsai Soil – Tokonome Brand Red Akadama – 2 lbs. (1.6 Liters) (1 Qt.) $23.95 Used for all kinds of Bonsai Trees. Mix with other soils or use by itself. Volcanic clay, high fired at 2200 F. which is harder than the flash fired brown Akadama. |
|
|
Trident Maple Bonsai Tree (Acer Buergerianum) $49.95 Well known for the superb colors of its foliage in autumn (fall). The bark is a dappled pale brown and exfoliates with age revealing a grey orange and brown color. The small leaves (which resist scorching during drought) have 3 short lobes close together – hence the name Tri-dent. The spring flowers are inconspicuous and the new growth is often bronze to purple. Deciduous – Keep outdoors. Available 12 months a year. Will have no foliage during winter months. |
|
|
Willow Leaf Ficus Bonsai Tree – Shohin Style (ficus nerifolia/salicafolia) $89.95 What is Shohin bonsai? “Shohin” is the Japanese word for “a tiny thing.” The basic rules of Shohin bonsai demand that it may not be higher than 25cm (that’s 10 inches) when measured from the rim of the pot to the top of the tree. Most experts believe that you must be able to hold the Shohin bonsai in one hand and it must express the beauty of a large tree in miniature. The exact measure of the height of the tree is then less important. Also known as Mexicana Ficus. Elongated, light green leaves have a striking resemblance to the popular Weeping Willow tree. This tree does particularly well indoors in low, moderate or higher lighting conditions. |
|
|
Flowering Japanese Mock Orange Bonsai Tree (pittosporum tobria variegata) $49.95 The Japanese flowering Mock Orange has thick glossy evergreen leaves that are oblong and in whorls and that are creamy white and green in color. Flowers are rather small, creamy white and very fragrant and give off a fragrance similar to that of the Orange Blossom, hence the name Mock-Orange. At maturity they produce a leathery fruit called a capsule. Does very well indoors. |
|
|
Laceleaf Weeping White Birch Bonsai Tree (betula pendula ‘trosts dwarf’) $69.95 This dwarf only grows to 3-4 feet tall, and is highly sought after for bonsai. It has a fine textured thread-leafed light green foliage that looks like a weeping laceleaf maple. Has a peeling bark trunk with pendulous catkins. Distinctive white bark which is colored by a pigment called, appropriately enough, betulin. Much loved for bonsai because of their elegant beauty. Does not do well in shade. Decideous. Keep outdoors. |
|
|
Juniper Bonsai Tree – Phoenix Graft (juniper procumbens nana) $295 This dwarf Juniper from Japan is the most popular evergreen in the U.S.A. When we think of a traditional bonsai and what it should look like, we think of a “Juniper Procumbens Nana.” It is very hardy, long-lived and tolerates many adverse conditions. Trained as a Phoenix Graft. A Phoenix Graft is the name commonly given to bonsai known as Tanuki. “Tanuki” is the Japanese word for “Badger.” In traditional Japanese folklore, this animal is responsible for playing tricks on people, so when a Tanuki is involved, nothing is quite what it appears. A Tanuki bonsai is a living tree “grafting” to a section of deadwood, often from another species entirely. The effect can be impressive. Most Tanuki, in order to make use of a lifeless trunk, are styled in the driftwood style. Tanuki are also called “Phoenix Grafts” after the mythological Phoenix which arose from its own ashes. |
