fit into the
advanced, or Bonsai enthusiast’s category would included
Fukinagashi – the windswept style, Bankan the twisted
style and Bunjin the literati Bonsai style. As
well as the popular simple Bonsai styles of Chokkan the
formal upright, Shakan the informal upright and Kengai
the cascading Bonsai technique there are quite a few
other differing styles that go beyond the normal. The
divide can be considered arbitrary to a certain extent,
but just like any specialized art form, over time they
mature to add another dimension to the boundless
possibilities of Bonsai.
Fukinagashi
The Windswept Bonsai Technique
Just like all
Bonsai trees, Fukinagashi – the windswept technique
attempts to replicate Mother Nature’s natural effect,
but of course in miniature.
With this style
the Bonsai trunk is deliberately slanted, to simulate an
environment where the wind tends to gust stronger in a
certain direction. This relentless force also causes the
trees branches to form in favoured direction too. This
cause the tree to grow and develop at a constantly bent
angle.
This is typical
in areas beside cliff tops or exposed hillsides.
Coastal regions often experience the conditions that
simulate the Bonsai style of Fukinagashi.
Unfortunately, emulating these types of weather
conditions is beyond the scope of most Bonsai
enthusiast. However, the Fukinagashi Bonsai style can
be successfully reproduced using similar forces that are
readily available.
The ability of
deliberately stressing a living Bonsai plant in a
certain direction causes any new growth to follow that
route. Those physical stresses can be achieved using
tried and tested methods of Bonsai which have been
perfected over thousands of years.
Similar to
Kengai Bonsai technique the trunk of the Bonsai can be
strapped with suitable string and fasten to a fixing to
achieve the desired slant. Wire can also be used as a
replacement, however it’s more common to use Bonsai wire
for training branches when implementing the Fukinagashi
or windswept technique and not really suitable for
altering the direction of the trunk.
Bankan The
Twisted Bonsai Technique
It’s commonly
thought that the Bankan Bonsai style originated in
deepest China at the time of Penjing. This is the
original name of the Chinese art form that led to we
know as Bonsai today.
As the Bankan
style suggest in it’s name the trunks of the Bonsai are
infused and wound together. It’s not uncommon for the
Bankan technique to feature animal shapes, including
dragons. This is especially true throughout Asia where
the Bankan style is extremely popular amongst Bonsai
enthusiasts.
Variations to
the Bankan or twisted Bonsai style include Nejikan and
Takzukuri. These versions make a slight turn in the
trunk or a heavy twist to it, the idea being to create a
lattice effect, symbolising the harsh weather conditions
that naturally growing tree will experience.
Bunjin The
Literati Bonsai Style
Another really
popular Bonsai style is the Bunjun or literati. This
simple looking technique, with a slight, angled trunk
and modest branches is surprisingly difficult to
recreate. The Bunjin Bonsai style was created by
Chinese artists that showed trees living in extreme
conditions. The end product is often sparse but
visually dramatic.
With the Bunjin
Bonsai style the trunk is often twisted and the branches
are deliberately shown at tight vertical angles thus
causing differing views from whatever aspect you’re
viewing it from. The Japanese Red Pine is a popular
selection for the Bunjin style.
These above
mentioned advanced Bonsai styles are not usually
attempted by Bonsai beginners. However, everybody
involved in this fascinating hobby will sooner or later
want to develop their skill and implement them. Not
surprising therefore that these techniques require a
great deal of patience and commitment, but the rewards
of a stunning Bonsai tree at the end easily outweigh any
chance of failure.
