Page 40 - Demo

TRUNK
Shape:
Shape according to style
Bark:
Well developed or not
Marks:
Wire and other marks / unsightly cuts
Tapering:
Lack of inverted taper as well correct tapering
Shari:
Appearance appropriate to the tree
BRANCHES
Distribution:
Groupings
Development:
Positioning of branches
Bark:
Condition of main branches
Ramification:
Extent of fine branch development
Marks:
Avoidance of wire marks
Jins:
As appropriate to the tree, give aged appearance
FOLIAGE
Leaves:
Horticultural perfection
Blemishes:
Evidence of disease, windburn etc.
Size:
In proportion to the tree
Distribution:
Not hanging below branch unless weeping variety
SOIL / SURFACE DRESSING
Well finished:
Clear of weeds:
Surface:
Appropriate surface cover e.g. moss
ROOTS/NEBARI
Visibility:
Well or badly distributed as surface roots (nebari)
Buttressed:
Shape of buttress at soil level
Other cover:
As appropriate to the tree(s)
Rock planting:
Roots give natural impression of having grown naturally (clasped) to the rock.
POT
Shape & Style:
Appropriate to the nature of the tree (species and style)
Placement:
Tree correctly positioned within pot
Appearance:
Cleanliness
Size:
Good proportion to the tree(s), not over- or under-potted
Color
Appropriate to species
STANDS
Shape & Style:
Appropriateness to tree/pot combination.
AESTHETIC QUALITY
Could be a subjective judgement but reflecting overall impression of the tree(s) within the pot or displayed on a tray. Overall sense of balance and harmony.
Recognizing the elements that make a bonsai— from the tree (species and style) to the pot and the manner it is displayed—all contribute to our judging processes. Through experience of having worked in creating bonsai, we learn by trial and error what ulti- mately constitutes a tree that reflects a good bonsai, a tree of which you feel justifiably comfortable in dis- playing.
38 | BCI | October/November/December 2014
Juniperus chinensis ‘Itoigawa’: Height - 44cms.
In this instance, the question is whether the tree is back-to-front. Sadly, a superb trunk with good movement and beautifully created shari is masked by the lowest branch. The remaining branches are not clearly defined due to the lack of refinement of the foliage pads. Very dense foliage on upper part of the tree including apical region. Once these factors are remedied, we will have a prize-winning tree. Overall balance between tree and pot is very good, with tidy surface dressing.
Pinus sylvestris:
Height - 78 cms.
Not quite there yet,
but another tree with considerable potential. The basic design concept is good with the position of the tree in its pot well placed to counter the outward movement of the trunk beyond the periphery of the pot.
Work needs to be done
in wiring and refining the branch structure; also with further back-budding, there could be an excellent foliage mass in due course. The primitive-style pot reflects the ruggedness of the trunk, bark and shari.