C. Proportion (scale)
1. Proportion, or scale, is the comparative relation between
parts.
2. The proportions of the bonsai have to be balanced, the
elements have to be in scale, and therefore appear logical
to the viewer. The proportions must reflect what the
viewer expects to see in a mature tree.
a. We expect to see the larger diameter branches lower on
the tree and we expect the lower branch to be in
proportion to the trunk.
b. There also needs to be a logical proportion between the
mass of the tree, the mass of the trunk, and the mass of
the pot. When any one of these three is too small or
too large in relation to the other, the composition is
unbalanced, disharmonious and therefore aesthetically
unpleasing.