Page 72 - BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Q1 2025

7
8
9
Description of the Mountain Pine
The tree itself is quite small, standing just 16 inches
tall. The nebari (root flare) is 2.4 inches wide, and the
pot has a diameter of 7 inches. The foliage pads are
compact, clearly defined, and arranged to enhance the
overall lightness of the composition.
Despite its small size, this bonsai evokes deep
emotions, primarily due to its trunk. Remarkably, no
technical interventions have been made to enhance its
aesthetics. This means all the curves and movements
were naturally formed before it was collected.
The trunk ascends towards the foliage in two distinct
parts: one completely dead and the other alive (photo 6).
The living part has a tubular shape reminiscent
of juniper veins, winding and twisting around the
deadwood (photo 7). Another striking feature of the
living part is its ancient, rugged bark (photo 8).
The deadwood evokes the most emotion for me.
Its deep cracks communicate the tree’s age and have
developed naturally over time without tools (photo 9).
Bonsai History
This mountain pine was collected by Fabrizio
Beltrame, a bonsai enthusiast and friend, in the early
2000s. At that time, bonsai was yet to be my profession,
and Fabrizio and I shared this passion. When I began
working professionally in bonsai in 2013, I started
caring for his collection, including this pine.
In 2016, when Fabrizio decided to step away from
bonsai, I purchased several trees from his collection,
including this one, which I had always admired. The
25th IBS Congress marks the first public exhibition
of this bonsai since it became part of my collection.
Future Plans
Over the years, the weight of the canopy and the
fragility of the trunk have caused the most prominent
curve (photo 10) to close, reducing the tree’s height.
One fascinating aspect of bonsai is observing how our
trees evolve over time—not just through our interven-
tions but also due to the passage of time and natural
conditions.
In the near future, I plan to make some aesthetic
adjustments without compromising the tree’s character.
My focus will be on the trunk’s direction and overall
height, aiming to restore its original shape when first
collected. Photo 12, taken recently, illustrates my
vision for this project. To achieve this, I will begin by
slightly adjusting the tree’s tilt during its next repotting.
Subsequently, I will then make structural adjustments
to gently open the closed curve. This new angle will
also highlight the final curve just before the foliage
(photo 11).
These adjustments may mean this bonsai stays out
of exhibitions for a few years, but that’s not a concern.
It will continue to bring me daily joy in my garden.
70 | BCI | January/February/March 2025