Page 42 - BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Q1 2025

Double
Nemaki
By Alessandro Bonardo, Italy
Photos courtesy Alessandro Bonardo
40 | BCI | January/February/March 2025
The Nemaki Technique
Nemaki (Japanese for “root
bending”) is an advanced
bonsai technique used to
reduce the length of a plant
or eliminate a section of
rigid trunk by manipulat-
ing its live vein. The live
vein is the part of the tree’s
vascular system that carries
water and nutrients from
the roots to the foliage,
running along the trunk
and connecting the roots to
specific branches or leaves.
The live vein is carefully
separated from the trunk
and manipulated.
Top: Alessandro Bonardo carefully separating one of the two live
viens from the deadwood.
Bottom: The cloth shows the proposed new base of the tree and
just how much the trunk will be compacted through the nemaki
technique.
as my master was his extraordinary bonsai
The main reason I chose Masahiko Kimura
techniques, which continue to inspire both
professionals and hobbyists. Kimura takes
material with obvious flaws—ones that
might seem impossible to fix—and transforms it into
stunning works of art. He addresses problems at their
core, using a combination of ingenuity, deep knowledge
of plant physiology, and masterful technique.
Before Kimura’s groundbreaking work, bonsai
was often seen primarily as cultivation. His methods
elevated it into an art form with a sophisticated technical
foundation.
The nemaki, or “root bend,” is one of the most
rewarding bonsai procedures, especially for hobbyists
looking to advance their skills. It provides immediate
results, allowing you to see the tree’s potential final
shape relatively quickly. Additionally, it’s an excellent
way to assess your technical proficiency—any mistakes