Tokyo 2010 - Ueno Green Club - Black Pines

William Feldman wrote:No, I didn't see any cut needles at the show itself. I did see some wiring still on the trees, though.

Thanks. I was curious. I don't have a lot of experience with pines. I have grown a few and traded them on and am now working one a few more. I have cut needles before to improve "the look", but was told that this is a "no-no". I presume that some of the vendors believe that cutting the needles gives the impression of what the pine can look like with proper pine maintenance. I must confess that I'm not too bothered by seeing the needles cut - if it enhances the image the artist is trying to portray. After all, bonsai is "illusion". I love your pictures; really helps with Winter's grip still on us in VA. Regards, Todd

Todd Ellis wrote:

William Feldman wrote:No, I didn't see any cut needles at the show itself. I did see some wiring still on the trees, though.

Thanks. I was curious. I don't have a lot of experience with pines. I have grown a few and traded them on and am now working one a few more. I have cut needles before to improve "the look", but was told that this is a "no-no". I presume that some of the vendors believe that cutting the needles gives the impression of what the pine can look like with proper pine maintenance. I must confess that I'm not too bothered by seeing the needles cut - if it enhances the image the artist is trying to portray. After all, bonsai is "illusion". I love your pictures; really helps with Winter's grip still on us in VA. Regards, Todd

Cutting needles is only done to balance strength and energy. Shortening long needles to reduce strength and improve weaker needle bundles is a training technique only. You will newer see a proper trained tree at exhibition with needles cut.
The same techniques in a variation is used for maples e.g., and is also done purely in training periods, not for exhibition purpose.

Best regards
Morten

morten albek wrote:

Todd Ellis wrote:

William Feldman wrote:No, I didn't see any cut needles at the show itself. I did see some wiring still on the trees, though.

Thanks. I was curious. I don't have a lot of experience with pines. I have grown a few and traded them on and am now working one a few more. I have cut needles before to improve "the look", but was told that this is a "no-no". I presume that some of the vendors believe that cutting the needles gives the impression of what the pine can look like with proper pine maintenance. I must confess that I'm not too bothered by seeing the needles cut - if it enhances the image the artist is trying to portray. After all, bonsai is "illusion". I love your pictures; really helps with Winter's grip still on us in VA. Regards, Todd

Cutting needles is only done to balance strength and energy. Shortening long needles to reduce strength and improve weaker needle bundles is a training technique only. You will newer see a proper trained tree at exhibition with needles cut.
The same techniques in a variation is used for maples e.g., and is also done purely in training periods, not for exhibition purpose.

Best regards
Morten

Thank you, Morten.
Todd

wow, thanks for photos and link
there are some really spectacular bonsai trees
classic grand Japanese bonsai

Justin

I am still blown away by the quality of the " for sale " trees at kokufu. makes one wonder what the "keepers" look like ?? a random selection of trees from the sales tables would make a eye popping exhibit anywhere.

To understand this you have to have an understanding of the Japanese way of doing high level bonsai. The trees on the sales tables include ones that have been shown at Kokufu ten and most probably will be again. Many of the trees are owned by wealthy industrialists and maintained by an employed bonsai artist who prepares them and exhibits them for the owner. When the tree has won a prize, they are more valuable and may be sold.