What is 'Sumo'?

[chipper5]

I've searched high and low but I can't seem to find a criteria for a "Sumo" bonsai. Can anyone tell me what would qualify as a 'sumo' bonsai? For example 'shohin' is under 25cm, but are there dimensions which would make a bonsai, sumo? I've seen it mentioned many times but there doesn't seem to be any references to size/dimension, usually just a description like 'sumo' or 'stumpy'.

Many thanks

[Andrew F]

Just like the wrestlers, as wide or wider than taller. All about ratios.

Figs and olives seem to be perfect candidates. HTH.

[kcpoole]

Gawd this could be another hornets nest opened

I believe it is generally accepted as being shorter than the classic ration of 6:1 of height to width.
Typically about 2-3 : 1 is called Sumo methinks.

Now don't ask where the width is measured, 'cos that is the other hornets nest but I consider the width of the tree to be across the widest point of the nebari just above the soil level.

Ken

[chipper5]

Ok, thanks guys! That makes sense

I wonder who coined the phrase 'sumo' though and if they had a strict criteria as to what would be classed as sumo. Something to ponder while dodging the hornets! lol

Thanks again!

[Chris H]

Good question
The only place I have seen it mentioned is on this forum.

Is this an AusBonsai coined term?

In which case Steven have you trademarked it yet.

[anttal63]

Gawd this could be another hornets nest opened

I believe it is generally accepted as being shorter than the classic ration of 6:1 of height to width.
Typically about 2-3 : 1 is called Sumo methinks.

Now don't ask where the width is measured, 'cos that is the other hornets nest but I consider the width of the tree to be across the widest point of the nebari just above the soil level.

Ken

[kcpoole]

Gawd this could be another hornets nest opened

I believe it is generally accepted as being shorter than the classic ration of 6:1 of height to width.
Typically about 2-3 : 1 is called Sumo methinks.

Now don't ask where the width is measured, 'cos that is the other hornets nest but I consider the width of the tree to be across the widest point of the nebari just above the soil level.

Ken

thought you might chime in here

[kcpoole]

Good question
The only place I have seen it mentioned is on this forum.

Is this an AusBonsai coined term?

In which case Steven have you trademarked it yet.

I have heard it many times on other forums and articles. One of those things that are quite hard to pin down. I have no idea as to whether the Japanese use the term

See this articel from the American bonsai Society.
http://absbonsai.org/bonsai-articles/bo ... umo-shohin

[chrisatrocky]

I basically believe 'Sumo style' bonsai is the width of the base of the tree to the height of the tree is 1-2 or 3 very popular in Japan about 10 years ago.
I actually love this style. Here's some pics.

402604377_9757d4b44d.jpg

2625839749_15cdb3f8f6.jpg

BeforePhoto1069015819.gif

carpinus_turczaninovi_shohin_18_antique_chinese_.jpg

chris

[Dario]

Good question
The only place I have seen it mentioned is on this forum.

Is this an AusBonsai coined term?

In which case Steven have you trademarked it yet.

My ...the style may have been around for a while? but the actual term "sumo" was apparently coined by an American member of IBC...or at least that is what I have read previously from posts on IBC.

Thanks for the pics chrisatrocky, the first one is my favourite
Cheers, Dario.

[chipper5]

See this articel from the American bonsai Society.
http://absbonsai.org/bonsai-articles/bo ... umo-shohin

Thanks Ken, this article is really good, gives a great explanation and ratios for the creation of a 'sumo shohin'

Also chrisatrocky the pics are great- my favourite is the last one but they're great examples.

Thanks everyone for all your input! Now I understand what it is, watch this space for my own sumo creation!

Cheers,