Bonsai - 2 (Bonsai Patterns)
Bonsai patterns are the classification of bonsai trees according to their shape and other characteristics.
Bonsai patterns depend on a number of features
1. Stem shape
2. The nature of the surface of the trunk and bark
3. Location of roots
4. Number of stem
5. Number of trees
6. The shape of the branches
The characteristics of a tree that belongs to that pattern are well defined within the art of bonsai.
But it is not necessary to follow all those rules perfectly. The talented artist has a good understanding of where the law should be kept and where the law should be broken.
Patterns defined by stem shape:
1. Chokkan (formal straight trunk)
This is the simplest bonsai pattern. This pattern gives a sense of strength and power of the tree.
In this pattern, the bonsai tree has a straight trunk that gradually becomes thinner as it moves from the bottom to the top. The apex of the tree should be directly above the point where the tree attaches to the ground.
The branches of the tree should extend symmetrically on both sides. The branches should be positioned in such a way that they gradually decrease along the thick and long trunk. The shape of the branches gives the tree a triangular shape. The branches are perpendicular or slightly sloping. Branches short relative to trunk height. It affects the height of the tree.
It should spread evenly around the root trunk of the tree.
2. Moyogi (irregular straight trunk)
This is the most common bonsai pattern. This pattern evokes rhythm, balance and elegance..
In this pattern the trunk of the tree is not straight. It's bent over here. However, the apex of the tree is located just above the point where the tree attaches to the ground. In the choke pattern, the trunk is gradually thinning as it ascends.
The branches of the tree are arranged on the sides of the trunk as well as in the choke pattern. But the curved shape of the trunk may have broken the symmetry of the branches. The branches of the tree are joined by a slope slightly downwards. Also the trunk should be slightly curved to conform to the curve. The branches as a whole are triangular in shape.
Due to the curved nature of the stem, the roots do not spread evenly. The roots on the opposite side of the first curve of the stem should be stronger. To keep that tree well.
3. Shakan (inclined trunk)
This pattern represents a tree that has grown or been exposed to sunlight due to a snowstorm or landslide.
The trunk of a tree in the Shakan pattern is straight or slightly curved. The main feature is that the apex of the tree is not directly above the point where the tree attaches to the ground. Because of this the whole tree takes on a sloping nature. The trunk slope should be less than 45 degrees from the vertical. The trunk should be in the shape of a gradual thinning from bottom to top.
The branches are as short as the choke pattern. They are symmetrical on both sides of the trunk. As you go up the trunk, the branches should gradually become thicker and thinner. The special feature is that the branches are parallel to the ground instead of perpendicular to the trunk. This reduces the unbalanced appearance of the sloping trunk.
The roots of the tree should be positioned so that the roots on the opposite side of the trunk are stronger.
4. Kengai (broken trunk)
This pattern depicts a tree growing on a mountain face, below a river or towards a lake.
The trunk of a tree in the Kengai style begins to grow upwards at first and then suddenly grows downwards. The apex of the tree should be below the level of the pot in which the tree is planted.
As the main trunk of the tree grows downward, the first must have grown straight upwards. The forearm of this branch should be directly above the point where the tree attaches to the ground. It connects to the trunk as close as possible to the top of the curve where the trunk bends down. It should also be slightly curved to the side opposite the curved stem.
Kengai style bonsai planting pots are deeper than pots used in other patterns.
5. Han-kengai (partially broken trunk)
The appearance of a tree in the Han-Kengai style is very similar to that of a Kengai-style tree. The main difference is that in the Han-Kengai pattern, the apical stalk grows above the lower part of the pot.
The lower part of a tree in the Han-Kengai pattern is either the main trunk or the first branch. The other rules are similar to the Kengai pattern tree.
The pot used in this pattern is also a bit deep.
6. Takan-kengai (broken multi-stem)
In the Takan-Kengai pattern, more than one stem or branch grows downwards. This pattern is a somewhat rare pattern.
Patterns defined by the nature of the surface of the trunk and bark:
7. Sabamiki (ball trunk)
This pattern depicts a tree with a trunk damaged by lightning or some other means. This pattern has a tree trunk with a crack or a large hole.
The hole in the trunk is usually made by carefully digging a hole in the trunk so that the tree does not die. A special nail is used for this.
8. Sharimiki (floating trunk)
The sharimiki pattern takes the form of a bonsai tree trunk or a piece of wood floating in the sea. A trunk with a smooth surface that has peeled off and turned white can be seen in a tree of this pattern. A sharimiki style bonsai tree gives the impression of being old but clinging to life.
By applying special techniques (such as using stem burns and chemicals) the body can be given a sharimiki look. But a live bark that connects the live branches and roots of a sharimiki bonsai tree must be left. Or the tree may die of malnutrition.
Creating a Sharimiki style tree is a daunting task.
Patterns defined by the location of the roots:
9. Negeri (sprouted roots)
In this pattern a bonsai tree rises above the ground. A Negeri style tree gives the viewer a very old and ancient feeling.
The maximum length of the roots that grow on a Nigeri style tree should be two-thirds of the total height of the tree. In most Nigerian style trees the roots are shorter than that. Some trees may have only one or two roots, although they may have a complete root system.
10. Sekijoju (roots on rocks)
A bonsai tree in the Sekijoju pattern connects to the ground on the foundation stone. This pattern represents a tree growing on a rock.
The trunk of a Sekijoju bonsai tree is perched on a rock. It connects to the ground, which runs along the surface of the rock. There can be no space between the tree trunk and the rock.
11. Ishisuke (grown on a rock)
An Ishizuke bonsai tree is formed in a crack in a rock. Although the root of a tree in the Sekijoju pattern is connected to the ground, in the Isisuke pattern the roots are connected to the crack in the rock. Sometimes Isisuke does not use a separate pot for a bonsai tree. The pot is made of stone.
Patterns defined by stem number:
12. Sokan (two stems)
In this pattern, a bonsai tree has two stems that originate from the same root system. Inevitably one of the two stems should be clearly taller and taller than the other.
The two stems should be close enough to each other. Sometimes the two stems are evenly connected at ground level. The two stems should look similar. If one is a straight body, the other must be a straight body. If one is curved, the other must be curved. Also, both trunks should be clearly visible from the front - they should not overlap.
The branches of the two stems cannot extend towards each other. Also, the branches of the two stems cannot intertwine with each other.
13. Sunken (three stems)
A sunken bonsai tree has three stems that grow from a single root system. One third of the stems should be taller and taller than the other two. The three stems cannot be in a straight line in a row. They must be positioned asymmetrically.
14. Gokan (five stems), Nankan (seven stems), Kyukan (nine stems)
The Gokan, Nankan and Kyukan patterns have five, seven and nine stems respectively. In these patterns, in addition to the main trunk, one, two or three sub-main trunks that are taller and taller than the other trunks can be seen.
15. Kabudachi (stem pack)
In this pattern, more than one stem emerges from the same place. The number of stems must be an odd number.
16. Korabuki (Ebi shell)
In the Korabuki pattern, as in the Kabudachi pattern, an odd number of stems emerge from the same place. But the common base of the stems takes on the hemispherical shape of an ebony.
17. Ikadabuki (straight rolled trunk)
A bonsai tree in this pattern represents a small group of trees rising from a fallen tree trunk.
An Ikadabuki-style bonsai tree consists of a straight horizontal trunk and a series of small vertical branches.
18. Netsunagari (curved trunk)
A Netsunagari style bonsai tree is similar to an Ikadabuki style tree - the difference is that the horizontal trunk of a Netsunagari style tree is curved
Patterns defined by the number of trees:
19. Soju (two trees)
This pattern is very similar to the sokan pattern - but in the sokan pattern there are two trees instead of two stems that emerge from the same root system. One of the two trees should be taller and taller than the other.
The two trees should take the same shape. If one is a straight trunk, the other should be a straight trunk. One should be the curved trunk and the other the curved trunk. And the two trees must be two of the same type.
The branches of the two trees cannot extend towards each other. Also, the branches of the two trees cannot intertwine with each other.
20. Sambon-yose (three trees)
In this pattern there are three trees of the same species. One tree is taller and taller than the other two.
21. Gohon-yose (five trees), Nanahon-yose (seven trees), Kyuhon-yose (nine trees)
There are five, seven and nine trees of the same type in the house of Gohon, Nanahon and Kyuhon patterns respectively. In these patterns there may be a main tree and two or three sub-main trees.
22. Yose-U (Jungle)
In this pattern a large number of trees are used. Either the number of trees must be odd - or the number must be incalculable at first glance.
Due to the limited space available per tree, straight trunks are more commonly used in this pattern.
All trees must belong to the same species.
Patterns defined by the shape of the branches:
23. Bunjingi (age)
In this pattern the number of branches of the tree is minimized. This pattern gives the tree a rough feel. But there has to be an elegance to that austerity.
A Bunjingi-shaped tree with a slender, elongated trunk. 60% to 90% of the stem root area is devoid of branches. Only a few tiny branches can be seen on the stem stalk. The length of the branches is very short relative to the length of the stem. Sometimes there is a dead branch in the middle of the trunk.
Stem curves are very sharp. You can even see the trunks turning 180 degrees at once. The pot is a very small shallow one.
24. Hokidachi (Idala)
This pattern takes the form of an arrow pointing up a tree. A tree in this pattern gives a sense of winter.
The trunk of a Hokidachi bonsai tree is short and straight. Branching begins at one-third of the total height of the tree. The branches extend to each side, giving the tree a hemispherical shape. A number of thinning divisions can be seen in the branches. The whole tree has a large number of branches.
The pot should be shallow.
25. Takosukuri (Owl)
In this pattern you can see several long branches growing on a short stem. The branches are twisted. This pattern is a rare one.
26. Fukinagashi (caught in the wind)
This pattern depicts a tree exposed to the wind. A tree in this pattern gives a sense of direction, movement and tension.
this pattern, the trunk and branches of a tree must be turned in one direction so that they are exposed to strong winds. It is easy to make sense of this movement by reducing the number of leaves on the tree. The use of dead branches is common in this pattern.
A bonsai tree can have several patterns. For example, a tree that is exposed to the wind in the shape of branches may belong to the original pattern on rocks in the shape of roots. Having a good understanding of all the patterns allows the artist to give his tree the most appropriate shape.
