Page 25 - BSAM 2016 Q4

Yamadori
Techniques
From Collection To First Styling
By Massimo Bandera, Italy Translation by Joe Grande, Canada
he yamadori technique consists of collecting dwarfed trees (araki) from the mountains. Araki grow very slowly and remain small, re ecting a complex physiology from the stress of altitude, or by nutritional de ciencies. Araki are then grown in containers and re ned using the yamadori technique.
Far from being a perfect science, the art of bonsai impassions the activity of amateurs and professionals, both for the beauty of the trees and of the fascination with the origin of the art form. In Chinese tradition, bonsai was born from the idea to reproduce a natural space that conjures up a mountain environment. e mountain is therefore a key element that a ects both technique and aesthetics. e highest quality bonsai normally originate from seed or from the yamadori technique,
two of the ve methods of starting a bonsai.
Alpi Cozie and Kampfzone where pines live in extreme conditions are ideal places for the formation of araki.
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