BONSAI FRONT SELECTION: THE CRITICAL STEP
By Michael Persiano
Foreword: Nothing is more critical to optimizing
the design potential of a bonsai than selecting the proper front.
This brief cyberarticle presents the artist with the essential
guidelines for this selection based on an aesthetic evaluation
of the tree.
Evaluating Nebari. Whether the artist is starting
with nursery stock or redesigning an established bonsai, selecting
the front of the specimen will ultimately influence every design
decision in the tree's future. The first step in determining the
optimal front of the bonsai is to evaluate the placement of nebari
or surface roots around the trunk. To begin your evaluation, rake
the surface area surrounding the trunk of your specimen. Frequently,
nebari are covered by soil, mulch, dead foliage, and crumbled
bark.
With the nebari now exposed, rotate the specimen to observe
their placement from different perspectives. Another important
part of this process entails tilting the specimen at different
angles until the optimal position of the tree is determined. Although,
in general, the ideal nebari will radiate out from the
trunk, this placement of roots is not commonly found in unworked
material. Bear in mind that the existing position of the surface
roots can frequently be altered by (1) separating and relocating
the roots and (2) holding them in place with u-shaped pins of
aluminum or copper wire.
As you evaluate the positive and negative characteristics of your
specimen's surface roots, give special consideration to the anticipated
design of your bonsai. For example, if you are considering the
shakan (slanting) style with the tree leaning to the
left, the absence of roots on the left-side and their strong presence
on the right-side of the trunk will not detract from the overall
design. The nebari should emphasize the bonsai's bonding
or attachment with the earth and impart a sense of age.
In the stated example, the right-sided nebari help to (1) physically
support the position of the bonsai and (2) aesthetically appeal
to the viewer by presenting an ideal image of a tree connected
to the earth. In contrast, if you are considering chokkan
(formal upright) or moyogi (informal upright) styles for
your bonsai, the presence of roots on both sides of the trunk
will be critical to confirming the tree's stability and is considered
desirable by most artists.
Looking at Branch Placement. The next step in determining
the front of the bonsai is to evaluate branch placement. The rule
of thumb in basic design is to select the first or lowest branch
at a location approximate 1/3 the height of the tree. From the
first branch, the remaining branches should ideally step up the
trunk from side to side, enabling you to achieve a pagoda-like
roof effect once the bonsai has been pruned and wired.
Other considerations include the presence of filler or back branches
which will assist you in maximizing the use of solids and voids
(branches and space) to add depth to your design.
Trunk Form. The ideal trunk form is one which tapers
in size from the base of the trunk to the top of the tree. It
is not unusual to discover defects either (1) in the formation
of the trunk or (2) in the surface of the bark. For example, the
pigeon-breasted trunk should be avoided as this condition can
generally not be corrected over the life of the tree. While superficial
defects in the surface bark of the bonsai will usually correct
themselves over the years, malformations or indentations and sites
of significant damage to the bark will seriously impact the specimen's
design potential.
Discovering the Termination Point.
With the nebari and branches evaluated,
your attentions must next turn towards discovering the termination
point. The termination point or extreme top of the bonsai is a
commonly overlooked design element which visually informs the
viewer that the bonsai has a beginning (root-soil contact) and
an end (top).
To implement this design element, the front of the bonsai must
tilt towards the viewer. Consider the ideal placement of the nebari
and branches in relationship to the top of the tree. The termination
point is easily introduced into the overall design by either (1)
tilting the entire specimen towards the viewer or (2) wiring the
trunk and bending it forward. Be certain to turn your specimen
to the side to confirm that the forward tilt is within a 20-30
degree range.
The Front. Selecting the front of the bonsai is
a matter of compromise. Poorly located branches and roots are
not at all uncommon in most specimens, and the correction process
will usually require seasons of subsequent growth. From one angle
the trunk might appear to be defective in form, while from a slightly
different angle the trunk might compliment your overall design.
Also, during wiring, do not hesitate to change your mind about
the selection of the intended front. Wiring has a way of revealing
new beauty and directions to the artist as the design unfolds.
Select the front of your bonsai with the knowledge that years
of effective technique and proper maintenance will work to your
advantage, enabling you to bring out the true beauty in your bonsai.
© 1996, Michael Persiano