Hello and welcome to Taiga Bonzai within the earlier publish we talked about the rules of bonsai and opinions of the previous masters relating to symmetry and form in tree design and the query is “what’s the that means and message” expressed.
Introduction – earlier than we get into the dialogue we’ll insert a number of photographs from {the catalogue} of types, as a result of they outline the meant form and symmetry of their particular person design. These are the primary ones which might be mostly used from Chokkan to Nebikan (twisted trunk) and windswept Fukinagashi. The opposite types talked about on the finish of the final article Gokan – 5 trunk – Yose ue – Forest – and Takozukuri – Octopus and so on will not be included right here as they extra sophisticated.
Catalogue of types –
A balanced composition – in these photographs from {the catalogue} of types the primary query is are they balanced compositions, if we have a look at Chokkan, Myogi, Sokan, Bunjin-ji and Hokidachi the reply is sure. As a result of they’re planted both to the appropriate or left of the pot to steadiness out the composition and this precept applies to Nebikan and Fukinagashi. Han kengai and Kengi are planted in smaller deeper pots and can be in steadiness naturally.
The one tree within the above photographs that seems out of steadiness is Shakan, however have a look at the picture once more the tree is planted to the left of the pot, the trunk is massive and their is ample weight in that space and throughout the pot to counter steadiness and weight from the thinner branches and foliage to the appropriate of the pot together with that protruding previous the pot’s rim. Nonetheless, some will argue that this Shakan is out of steadiness and this can be a legitimate standpoint, however to be truthful this picture is simply an artist’s impression of this explicit fashion.
Then how do we all know if a tree is in steadiness with its pot? A lot will depend on the quantity of foliage and branches which might be integrated within the tree’s design. One other consideration is the pot form whether it is rectangular or oval the tree is planted to the left or proper, if it’s a spherical pot then barely off centre. This subsequent picture reveals the proper manner a tree needs to be planted. Be aware within the left hand picture the tree is planted within the centre and is barely out of steadiness. The picture on the appropriate reveals the tree planted left of centre; the tree is now a balanced composition.
To search out the centre steadiness line of a bonsai it’s taken from the bottom of the trunk in a vertical route to the apex, whatever the twists and turns the branches make. This vertical line is an support to find the bushes place within the pot as proven on this subsequent picture.
The blue dotted traces depict the trunk thickness on the base, the pink dotted line is the true vertical line from the trunk’s base to the apex, which is now rising again over to the appropriate. The foliage on the appropriate facet is kind of dense with thick branches versus that of the left that has thinner branches and fewer foliage. The tree is planted off centre in the direction of the again of the pot.
Confusion – this primary candidate is to say the least weird and much faraway from {the catalogue} of all classical bonsai types. To offer analytical interpretation, the plant is a conifer in all probability a juniper of types as a result of the denseness of the foliage rising from a ‘stay vein’ on the appropriate hand facet. The rest of the plant is devoid of bark through the method of Sharimiki and possibly painted with lime sulphur to present the looks of a driftwood fashion.
The decrease a part of the Sharimiki from the soil floor to the horizontal line and foliage space is moderately extreme and overpowering and might be eliminated. As is the Sharimiki above the apex of the tree, this specimen might now be planted in a smaller pot; this could enable for a extra balanced composition as proven under.
Now the Sharimiki has been diminished the entire composition has modified, some might say that there’s an enchancment while others will differ. Nonetheless, our query to you what is that this specimen, masculine, female or impartial? Furthermore, what’s the that means and message right here?
This second candidate is kind of exceptional contemplating it’s a ceramic manufacturing listed on the web site of ‘Dragon Artwork Studios’ – Poland underneath the title Sztuczne drzewko bonsai Sosna wykonanw W stylu ‘shakan’. Because the title suggests it’s within the ‘Shakan’ fashion however is it?
Allow us to try unravel the complexity right here, for a begin the composition just isn’t balanced it leans uncomfortably to the left ‘prime heavy’ with dense foliage. The trunk is simply too straight to be a Shakan, additionally, you will discover 3 gentle brown additions on the trunk the highest one disappearing into the cover, what are they? Presumably they both symbolize some vine which has infested the tree or they’re stay veins transporting vitamins and if the latter is the case, then the entire composition is totally deceptive.
We are saying this as a result of stay veins are inside the tree itself not on prime furthermore, when artists expose stay veins the undesirable bark is eliminated through the Sharimiki technique with a number of coats of lime sulphur to present a deadwood look. We have no idea what this sculpture truly represents, however it isn’t a Shakan, a mere modernist illustration mimicking bonsai. We go away you to find out that means and message.
On one other observe we have now simply been given the inexperienced gentle for our transfer on the finish of June and as there may be a lot work to be accomplished, time for writing is not going to be doable nevertheless, we have now ready one other article to be posted in 2 weeks time. Till subsequent time, BW, Nik.