The Bonsaï: Strictly Codified Styles

Considered as an art form in Japan, bonsaï growing follows very formal aesthetic codes. Imagination is only tolerated after the fundamentals of the art have been fully assimilated.

For the purists, a perfect mastering of the art of bonsaï growing can only be achieved after having assimilated all the ‘compulsory figures’ of the traditional styles. These highly codified styles follow very strict aesthetic imperatives which represent forms of trees found growing in the open.

A bonsaï is not just a carbon copy of a normal tree – it should also be a reminder of the power of the tree. The most beautiful specimens must possess the essence of a normal tree in miniature. Although most bonsaï come in many styles, there are three main categories.

Bonsaïs With a Single Trunk

These are the ones most appreciated by the purists as they are the most difficult to grow. The trunk may be perfectly straight (Chokkan), it may have some curves (Tachiki), it may be leaning over as if it was bent by the wind (Shakan and Fukinagashi), it may be cascading as if it was growing on the side of a mountain (Kengai), in half-cascade (Han-Kengai), it may be twisting (Bankan), it may be bare and topped with masses of leaves like a pine (Bunjinji), it may have the shape of a brush (Hôkidachi), it may be split and devastated (Sabamiki), or sinuous (Takozukuri), etc..

Bonsaïs With Multiple Trunks

Each style has a specific name according to the number of trunks it possesses :

Sokan (2 trunks), Sankan (3 trunks), Gokan (5 trunks), Nanakan (7 trunks), Kyukan (9 trunks), and Tsukami-Yose (more than 9 trunks). Specificities complete the codification of every specimen. Trunks grouped on a single root are classed as Kabudachi, those on a stump with the form of a tortoise shell are classed as Kôrabuki, trucks growing out of a sinuous root are classed as Nestsunagari, and trees lying down carrying new trunks with their branches are classed as Ikadabuki.

Bonsaïs Planted in Groups

The same pot contains several trees in order to recreate a landscape. The style carries a specific name according to the number of trees: Soju (2 trees), Sambon Yose (3 trees), Gohon Yose (5 trees), Nanahon Yose (7 trees), Kyuhon Yose (9 trees), and Yose-ue (more than 9 trees).

Other Classifications for Other Styles of Bonsaïs

Apart from the classification by style, there also exists a classification by size. Small bonsaï (from 5 to 15cms.) are called Mame or Shôhin, medium-sized bonsaï ( from 15 to 60 cms.)are called Kotate-mochi or Komono up to 30 cms. and Chumono up to 60 cms., and big bonsaï (from 60cms. to 120 cms. or more) are called Ömono.

Bonsai Trees Pruning And Maintenance

The ever-popular bonsai trees can be found the world over. However, the effort that one must invest in keeping these miniature trees in good shape can take many hours of patience. The bonsai art form is one that is not learned easily.

One of the hardest aspects of keeping the miniature trees in the best possible shape is literally learning how to shape the trees over time. This is a very technical aspect that is synonymous with the ancient craft.

Copper And Aluminium Wire To Keep Shape

One popular way to shape a bonsai tree is by using either copper or aluminum wire to help a tree keep its shape and dwarfed size. This wiring technique needs to be done to only the strongest of the bonsai tree varieties.

If a person has a Fukien tree, for example, the wiring is not needed to help keep its shape. A good place to learn this very intricate process of wiring is gardens nursery. Wiring is just one way that people can keep their bonsai trees in perfect shape.

Pruning A Bonsai Tree

Another technique that is very crucial to keeping a bonsai tree healthy is pruning. Not only do the foliage and branches need to be pruned, but the roots of a bonsai also have to be cut back.

If one wishes to learn how to do this intricate process, then they can look at the information that Gardens nursery has to offer. This is one process that can be easy to misunderstand, and the author of this site offers great in-depth information on how to correctly prune and shape a bonsai.

Bonsai trees are easily “trained” if one learns the process of both wiring and pruning. For most people, pruning is a once a year job, but for a bonsai tree, this is a process that is done many times during the course of a year, yet only at certain times.

Wiring and pruning a bonsai tree are very delicate processes that are critical to the health of a miniature tree. One should definitely take the time to learn all they can about these processes, as well as which types of trees are best suited for miniaturization.

Becoming a bonsai gardener takes time and effort that one should be aware of before buying bonsai seeds or bonsais that have already been cultivated.



