judge landscape paintings. In effect he said that a work of
art may be technically perfect, exhibiting perfect technique
in execution and workmanship, and it may follow all of
the rules, do everything right. But unless it has a soul and
a spirit, it has not been “divinely inspired”. This soul and
spirit separates the great bonsai masterpieces from other
specimens.
IV. NATURE’S PLACE IN BONSAI HARMONY
A. Nature provides our most basic lessons on harmony. Some
of the greatest artists spent their lives studying nature.
Mountains, streams, rocks and trees in their natural
environment usually exist in simplistic harmony with each
other and with their surroundings. The bonsai artist learns
by observing nature.
B. Natural Style. Bonsai styling should, within reason, reflect
the natural growth habit, shape and form of a species. The
bonsai artist combines horticultural and design skills to
create a miniature replica of the tree which is in harmony
with what might be seen in the wild.
C. Illusionary Age. Bonsai present an illusionary age; they
appear to be of a certain age regardless of their actual age.
The trunk, branch and foliage mass should be compatible;
consistent with the illusionary age which the bonsai
represents.
a. A Juvenile tree, 10 - 25 years old, has a slender trunk,
little taper, upward sweeping branch growth, foliage in
a ball shape. The ratio of lower trunk to branches is
about 50/50.
b. A Mature tree, 25 - 75 years old, has some taper in the
trunk, ramification of the roots, greater trunk
diameter and maturing bark. There is more foliage
mass in proportion to the lower trunk. Lower
branches begin to grow outward so the tree begins to
get broader.