Japanese Bonsai Styles

Windswept style


No two bonsai are the same.However,in Japanese bonsai some typical shapes have evolved,all of which are found in nature.The most important ones to be able to recognize are follows.

Individual trees
-Formal upright
-Curved informal upright
-Slanting style
-Semi cascade
-Cascade or hanging style

Triple trunk style


Trees with several trunks,and group plantings
-Twin trunk
-Triple trunk
-Clump
-Raft style
-Raft from root,or sinuous,style
-Multi-tree or group planting

Semi cascade style


Styles that may be planted singly or in groups
-Broom,or besom,style
-Windswept style
-Literati style
-Clinging-to-rock,or rock grown,style

Clinging-to-rock style

Bonsai -Miniature landscapes(Saikei)

Bonsai -Miniature landscapes(Saikei)


Saikei are miniature landscapes planted in shallow dishes to represent a piece of natural scenery-perhaps a strip of river,a waterfall in the mountains,a pine grove by the sea or a deciduous wood with pathways and streams.Saikei have a long history if we include among the art those miniature landscapes depicted on thirteenth and fourteenth century scroll paintings.The art of forming saikei was rediscovered recently by Japanese bonsai master,who developed the art further.In the West,saikei is becoming better known and has attracted much admiration from bonsai enthusiasts.

Bonsai -Miniature landscapes(Saikei)


Saikei are different from bonsai group plantings mainly in that not only trees are used but also rocks and various types of earth-sometimes even tiny houses,bridges,animals and figures,too.Good saikei formations work because the three basic elements,trees,rocks and earth combine in a harmonious way.

Bonsai -Miniature landscapes(Saikei)


Bonsai -Miniature landscapes(Saikei)