Bonsai Shaping: Art and Science
The shape of a bonsai tree is what sets it apart from other plants. When you grow a bonsai, it’s not just another plant. Many people consider it to be an art, and spend much time sculpting their tree. Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to shaping bonsai trees. Yet there are a few silhouettes that are more commonly found in bonsai shapings. Following are some of the favorite styles.
Literati: The most common shape of bonsai tree is the literati style, and this is what most people visualize when they think of a bonsai. The literati shape consists of a bare trunk and hardly any branches. The branches of this style are all positioned near the top. The lower part of the trunk, which is bare, is usually elegantly twisted.
Informal and Formal Upright: Both of these styles are also well known among the various bonsai shapes. These trees are coaxed into an upright stance and feature an elegantly tapered trunk. The familiar bends and curves of the informal style differentiate it from the formal shaping technique.
Slanting: There are similarities between the slanting style and the formal upright bonsai in regards to the straight trunk. The difference lies in the fact that the trunk angles away from the base, either to the left or the right.
Forest: An advanced form of bonsai gardening is the forest style, which consists of artistically grouping several bonsais in one container. The trees are of varying heights, which gives the perception of depth. It is typical for three or more trees to be used in the forest style, usually an odd number. However, four trees are never used in one pot, as the number four has implications in Japan.
Cascading: One of the most striking shapes of bonsai trees is the cascade style. The cascade style imitates the trees that grow on mountains or over the water, and is very beautiful. The top of the tree flows to one side and grows to the foot of its container or just beneath it.
Although these shapes are the most frequently used for styling a bonsai tree, you may discover a new fashion that you prefer. However, it is always advised to begin with a common style when you first attempt to shape a bonsai tree. When you become skilled at this, you can start adding some distinctive touches of your own. Remember, bonsai care and shaping is an art.