Shohin bonsai at the 100th Kokufu exhibit

Each half of the Kokufu exhibit features a small number of shohin displays. The exhibit is set up to present the large trees first, then the medium bonsai, and finally the shohin. They’re the last bonsai you see before leaving the exhibit.

Six-tree shohin display

Like the larger trees in the exhibit, shohin bonsai are eligible to receive the Kokufu prize. However, instead of awarding an individual small tree, the award is presented to the top display.

The display above received the Kokufu prize in the first half of the event. The display below won the award in the second half.

Shohin display

Not all of the displays featured six shohin bonsai. Some displays featured five trees. Displays with mini bonsai featured far more trees.

Shohin display featuring a Rokko-style stand

Mini-bonsai display

The conventions for displaying shohin bonsai are relatively narrow by US standards. Junipers are the most common species displayed across from the box stand. They are typically shown on root stands, some taller than others.

Junipers on root stands

Some of the individual trees in these displays were fantastic. Here’s a small sample. Note the remarkable branch density for trees that are roughly 8″ tall.

Black pine

Trident maple

Black pine

Japanese maple

Black pine

Kinzu (dwarf kumquat)

News & Updates

[Southern California Exhibition]

• If you’re thinking about submitting to this year’s Naka Memorial Exhibition, August 22-23 in Los Angeles, the deadline is June 15th. The event website has instructions for How to prepare your submission.
  
  And like so many other bonsai events, the Naka Memorial would not be possible with the generous support of donors and volunteers. Learn how you can help at the John Naka Memorial Exhibition website.