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Alternatives to shohin box displays

February 1, 2019 by Jonas Dupuich

The idea of exhibiting six shohin bonsai in a single display can be daunting. Fortunately there are good alternatives that accommodate smaller numbers of bonsai in the display.

At Gafu-ten, the most common single-tree displays feature bunjin bonsai. These trees have little visual weight for their size but fill the display area well.

Bunjin camellia with figure

Two-tree displays can be simple arrangements featuring a single elevated stand. By raising the level of one of the two trees, the composition can take advantage of the upper part of the display area.

Two tree display with elevated stand – elm and princess persimmon

Two tree display – deciduous bonsai and kinzu

A simple box stand can achieve the same effect.

Two tree display with box stand – ilex and shimpaku

If you have scrolls available, they can be displayed with one or two trees to create attractive tokonoma-style displays.

Two tree display with scroll – black pine and trident maple

Two tree display with scroll – chojubai and white pine

Two tree display with scroll – deciduous bonsai and red pine

When you are ready for displays featuring larger numbers of trees, the four-tree box stand can be a good alternative to the five-tree box stand. It’s especially popular for larger shohin or kifu-size bonsai.

Five tree display featuring small trees

Five tree display with larger trees

Five tree display

When simple displays fail to deliver the intended effect, more creative arrangements are a good alternative. Here are two that use elements found less frequently in shohin displays.

Bonsai display with walled box stand

Creative display

Related Posts

Shohin judging categories at Gafu-ten

Anatomy of a shohin display

 

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Filed Under: Exhibits Tagged With: Display, Gafu-ten

Previous Post: « Shohin judging categories at Gafu-ten
Next Post: Combining elements to balance shohin displays  »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andrew says

    February 1, 2019 at 8:46 am

    Jonas, I’m really enjoying this series of in-depth shohin posts. Thanks for sharing!

    • Jonas Dupuich says

      February 1, 2019 at 8:56 am

      Thanks Andrew! Will try to share a few more – it was a fun event!

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