Seeing the deciduous bonsai on display at Kokufu is always a treat. Here’s a great example – a broom-style zelkova with strong roots, straight trunk, and many fine branches creating a full silhouette. It’s a beautiful tree. Zelkova
Exhibits
Exhibits are where we can see bonsai at their best. Explore posts from Bonsai Exhibits in the U.S. including the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition and Japanese events including the world-famous Kokufu and Taikan-ten exhibits.
White pine on a slab
Slender trunks with gentle movement and full branches make the white pine below a compelling bonsai. A simple wood slab makes a good stand for the rock slab on which the tree is planted. White pine
Slant-style chojubai
Clump-style chojubai are relatively common. Less frequently seen are chojubai with single trunks. Here’s a great example of a slanting chojubai. Slant-style chojubai
Shimpaku at Kokufu 90
For spring break this year, I’ll share a few photos from February’s Kokufu exhibit in Tokyo. First up – a large, well-balanced shimpaku with great movement and deadwood. Shimpaku Regular posts will return in two weeks – see you then!
A final pass through Kokufu 88
The first time I visited the Kokufu-ten was in 1999. I remember thinking, “wow, that’s a lot of trees.” Over the course of a week I saw the exhibit twice and felt like I was only just starting to gain an appreciation for the subtle artistry that went into the trees. This year I was in […]