Display Stands

Hi Guys, can anyone point me to an explanation of the “rules” relating to the use of display tables?
Apart from raising the height of the tree to a more appropriate viewing angle, it seems to me that the hobby in general needs to pay a bit more attention to the size shape and colour of the tables used for displaying our bonsai.

Many of the major exhibitions offer prizes for the best tree and pot combination, and yet there is seldom any mention of the tables or plinths being used. We often talk about a bonsai display as a composition, in which all the elements combine to form an aesthetically pleasing, balanced and harmonious display. A quick look at the photographs of the displays at any of the major exhibitions will quickly demonstrate that some trees are displayed on tables which are to big, or to small; or are visually to heavy, or to light, for the trees placed upon them.

When describing the depth and shape of a pot, some people refer to the “visual weight” of the pot in relation the height of the tree and the thickness of the trunk. It seems to me that the “visual weight” of the table is an equally important part of the composition, and I presume that there must be some general guidance available on this topic. I am sure we have all looked at a bonsai display and instinctively felt that the composition was wrong for some reason, even if we couldn’t explain why. There are many treads on the forum in which people have suggested that the table / stand is inappropriate for the tree because it is to heavy or to light, or sometimes because the table top appears to be floating”, but I haven’t been able to find any guidance as to what is appropriate. Can anyone point me to a suitable website, that will explain what elements of the tables’ design we should be thinking about, when choosing the table to be used for displaying our trees?

Guys, All of your contributions are much appriciated, and your responses have encouraged me to give the matter much more thought.
Whilst I accept that the interpretation of any composition, what we like or dislike, is a matter of personal taste, I do think that there should be a number of broad principles or guidelines that we should adhere to. However, it also seems to me, that the guidelines will be different for each style and size of tree. Those relevant to a cascade, or a shohin, would obviously be different from those that apply to a heavy trunked Trident Maple or Pine.

The majority of my trees are in the informal upright style about 60cm high, and so I have concentrated on how I would prefer to display this style of tree. Other people may like to suggest some guidelines for other styles or sizes of tree.

I prefer to see trees of this size and style, exhibited on tables that appear to have a connection with or are “growing” out of the display bench. Creating a pyrimid shape with a series of steps between the bench, the table, the pot, and the Nebari all rising up to support the trunk of the tree, works for me. Using a slab or a wooden plinth works well, but if you choose to use a table, the visual weight of the table is the key to creating a harmonious display. Square tables seem to work better with round pots; rectangular tables with rectangular or oval pots.

The width of the table relative to the size of the pot is also important. Having a clear area between both sides of the pot and the sides of the table helps to balance the image. Somewhere between 1.5 to 2 times the dept of the pot seems to work well.

Other important issues are the depth of the top, the depth of the apron, and the detail at the edge of the table. These all have to be considered together, as they make a significant contribution to the visual weight of the table.

Having an overhanging edge and a shallow apron creates a visual seperation between the legs and the pot and gives the impression that the tree is “floating”. I find this disturbing. For this size and style of tree, a large overhang should be avoided. As I mentioned having a series of steps works better.

The amount of detail on the apron is important as the purpose of the table is to support and help frame the tree, It is a part of the overall image, not the focal point. In my opinion a simple, understated apron, with clean simple lines is best. Complicated, ornate and fussy detailing should be avoided.

The table should have ample legs or feet to carry both the physical and visual weight of the tree being displayed. However, the design and shape of the legs; whether they turn in or out, is a matter of personal choice. I prefer having legs that turn out and project beyond the overhang, as they give the impression of having enough strength to support the physical and visual weight of the pot and the tree. Having legs which turn in, creates the impression of an inverted pyrimid, which I think looks unstable. Having a flush edge reduces the impression of instability, but personally I think that all tables with inward turning legs look disturbing.

I should stress that all of the elements refered to, must be considered together and not in isolation. Creating a hamonious, balanced image, is a matter of presonal taste, but I think that having some generally accepted “guidelines” would help us all improve the quality of our displays.

What do you think? Your comments would be much appriciated.

Is anyone else prepared to stick their neck out and suggest some guidelines for displaying another size or style of tree?