Literati or Bunjin
I am avoiding the use of Japanese or Chinese terms apart from the subject names underlined so as to cause no confusion among those unfamiliar with such extravagancies.
Literati/Bunjin bonsai has no hard and fast rules and is therefore a difficult thing to describe.. It is generally accepted that the lower two thirds of the trunk should be free of foliage and significant branches although a long downward flowing branch can be an asset. Line is more important than mass of foliage or trunk taper. Many trees classed as literati have scarce taper at all but do have flowing or abrupt movement in the line. The lack of taper is not an essential feature nor is a feminine appearance. I illustrate this point here with a photograph of a magnificent tree with a masculine appearance and considerable taper which is nevertheless
Literati/Bunjin.
Bunjin (Masculine).jpg
An aesthetically pleasing aspect is always good but should preferably be achieved with a relatively sparse amount of foliage. Deciduous trees are less favourable on account of being comparatively brittle in general and having a tendency for upright growth. This does not preclude them from the title. They are just a little more difficult. Many of the dos and don’ts of bonsai are disregarded in
Literati/.Bunjin. They are somewhat unusual and a ‘different’ look in the material can often be made into a feature. Even crossing branches.
Single trunk trees are usually planted in shallow round or oval containers of a size which would normally look right holding the top third of the tree only. This can make them unstable, particularly if the tree is slanting. The answer is to tie them down to the stand or bench in windy conditions. Trays are also accepted containers, particularly for multi-trunk compositions. All containers should be subsidiary to the tree and of a subdued colouration
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im sure we have a few people that are interested in the contest that dont actually want to enter.. maybe alpine??? pup???? i think you both stated you already had to many trees and dont need any more, so how bout helping us out by judging the contest??
