Restyling an old shimpaku

The tree below is one I've had for sale on www.bonsaiforum.com. So far no takers.

Its an old imported tree, brought over from Japan in the early 80s. After many years of neglect I nursed it back to health and brought the growth back in towards the trunk. To make room on my benches, I'm trying to sell it. But this restyling idea has me reconsidering.

The virtual is what I may do to the tree if it doesn't sell in the next two weeks. Any other ideas from the group?

Current look...



and my first restyling idea...

Hi Mike,

Very nice tree but the first thing that struck me was the trunk girth. Guess it is a little thin. Considering this Bunjin would be a more suitable style for this tree. The fact that the trunk has got very nice movement also strengthens the Bunjin cause.

Your virtual is a good start but for the Bunjin to better manifest itself the tree should be further thinned of foliage. I am not too good at visuals but I guess you get the picture.

It is also very interesting to see that back in 1980 the Japanese and the rest of the world was not as obsessed with the girth of the trunk as much as people are today. Perhaps a 1:25 girth height ratio was indeed acceptable way back then. I guess in its current form the tree also makes a nice case of a NATURALIST Styled tree.

Regards
Ravi

Mike, this tree is a definate Bunjin candidate. Now the fun part; what to keep and what to prune away! Beautiful tree by the way! Salut, Todd