Cheng, Cheng-Kung's Bonsai School 2009_02 series

Mr. Cheng
Nice to see you here again. Nice trees.

Your friend
ogi Uyehara

Mr. Cheng, a lesson every tree, thanks for the presentation.
Fabiano.

Mr. Cheng, please excuse my ignorance, but what is the purpose of the white paper on the upper branch, and the black plastic around the lower trunk? Thank you.

Carolee wrote:Mr. Cheng, please excuse my ignorance, but what is the purpose of the white paper on the upper branch, and the black plastic around the lower trunk? Thank you.

Carolee, the white material wrapped around the trunk is to give you an idea what the tree will look like when that portion of the trunk is removed (usually later in the development process.)
The black ring above the pot looks like a temporary accommodation for roots that can't quite fit into the new pot after repotting.

Rob,
Thank you. The purpose of the paper and black plastics are as you say.