Royal Easter Show Bonsai Judging

[MelaQuin]

This is a bit after the event but there's next year to look forward to.

In the mid 2000's, after a disastrous day when the RAS chose a fruit and veggie judge to judge the bonsai, several Sydney bonsai masters arranged a workshop and put together judging rules based on all the appropriate guidelines. This screed gave points to evaluate a bonsai with a range of points allotted to trunk, nebari, branch placement etc. The guidelines were sent to all clubs for input and accordingly revised and adopted so anyone who judges at the Royal will have a copy and be following accepted bonsai standards. In the last few years the RAS has nominated well known Sydney bonsai identities to judge, people who are well versed in both doing and teaching bonsai.

The Sydney City Bonsai Club has maintained a stand at the show for the past decade. They are present for 7-8 days and offer information on other bonsai clubs [even Perth this year], bonsai nurseries, bonsai care issues. The purpose is to introduce the general public who are not there on the days of the major bonsai exhibition to see 'real' bonsai in comparison to the juvenile trees sold as bonsai at retail outlets. The enthusiasts attending the stand are quick to direct any interested people to their closest bonsai club.... the stand promotes bonsai, not any particular club. And those who man the stand have managed to save quite a few bonsai over the years and guide those with still living trees in better care methods. And give many a backyard bonsaist a chance to chat about their own trees.

The problem with the Royal is the fact that exhibitors are allowed to access the show from 10:30 pm to 8 am. Not a minute before 10:30 and all cars off the site by 8 am. Two nights later it is the same thing to collect the trees but this time they must be collected between 10:30 pm and midnight. Even at 10:30 there will be those diehards who refuse to call the show day quits still wandering around the site and the Royal is trying to minimise the chances of squashing any. It's bad for their insurance. Even if one could trundle trees onto the side by handcart the horticultural pavilion is closed from 8:30 to 10:30 to allow the previous display to be dismantled and the benches measured for the bonsai exhibits. This benching and debenching time frame dissuades many an enthusiast but it is the way it has to be.

Information about the horticultural classes can be accessed in January by googling Royal Easter Show 2016 and bonsai entries close a month before their show date. On line entry is preferred, tree measurements are needed to ensure the tree has enough space [and as a guideline always add about 5 cm to the width so the exhibits aren't cramped] and the cost is [at this date] $30 for one to however many entries. There is an $8 fee if you enter other than online.

The Royal is a fantastic place to introduce a lot of people to real bonsai but the exhibitors have to be prepared to work within the RAS time slots. It's tiring but it's fun and the exhibitors are a friendly lot. Put it in your diary for next year if you live in the Sydney region.

[SouthernSky]

This screed gave points to evaluate a bonsai with a range of points allotted to trunk, nebari, branch placement etc.

Absolutely none of this applies to non-traditional non-Japanese bonsai, and I'll be doing my best to ensure that in future years more emphasis is placed on the artistic elements (concepts like out-of-the-box originality and experimentation) as opposed to just pure craft - but otherwise I agree with pretty much everything said. It was disheartening to see that the entire display was made up of trees from just five growers, and I'd love to see more than just four or five people entering the competition. Entering the contest isn't the easiest thing in the world, but it's a fun experience over the Easter break that more of you guys should try.

[shibui]

I have been told there is a revision of bonsai judging guidelines for Victorian show judges. Not sure of the current status - still under revision or already passed? Also not sure what aspects were being revised. If I can find out I'll let you know.

Whenever a competition is judged there will be some exhibitors unhappy with the results but that is the nature of competition.

[MelaQuin]

If an exhibitor enters a terrier in a hound class at a show they can hardly expect to take home a prize. Bonsai is small bikkies in Australia with a small number of enthusiasts. There is enough of a problem getting any judging show let alone one that offers classes for non-traditional entries. Maybe in the Asian countries where bonsai is BIG business will shows cater to art exhibits... but there tradition is a huge factor. Possibly developing a more traditional aspect to bonsai might ensure more chance to get a certificate. And while one can lament at the small number of entrants one has only to look at display tables at bonsai clubs - which are FAR easier to access than the Royal - and realise why getting even 5 exhibitors is a major achievement for a show with the access difficulties of the Royal.

[Reece]

This screed gave points to evaluate a bonsai with a range of points allotted to trunk, nebari, branch placement etc.

Absolutely none of this applies to non-traditional non-Japanese bonsai, and I'll be doing my best to ensure that in future years more emphasis is placed on the artistic elements (concepts like out-of-the-box originality and experimentation) as opposed to just pure craft

Can you put together a list of points (and explain how they would be judged) to evaluate these non-traditional and non-japanese bonsai then?

Ill start:

Out of the box originality (explanation pending)

experimentation (explanation pending)

[Jarad]

Wouldn't the two major differences between traditional and Australian be

1. That the Aussie styles don't conform to the traditional styles (formal upright, informal upright, literati, etc)
2. And the lack of triangle shape foliage?

Is there an online copy of the rules somewhere?

[Watto]

MelaQuin - I really enjoy your posts because they are mostly thought provoking.
At the Goulburn show we are pleased that there is a bonsai section and this gives us another opportunity to "get the word out" about bonsai in our area. This year there were about 7 exhibitors (or should that be competitors) and we are lucky that the judge this year was a dahlia expert - at least it was someone in the horticultural area. Alas I think we can't complain too much but someone who could tell the difference in the classes would be an improvement, but to pay for a judge to come would need many more entries and probably a business case to prove that bonsai is cost effective for the show committee.

[Cindy]

Wouldn't the two major differences between traditional and Australian be

1. That the Aussie styles don't conform to the traditional styles (formal upright, informal upright, literati, etc)
2. And the lack of triangle shape foliage?

Is there an online copy of the rules somewhere?

I disagree as all the natives I've seen both bonsai & in the"wild" will fall into a traditional style type maybe not strictly but loosely based. People just need to be observant of how a native grows naturally in the ground & realise that some are not accepting to being styled like a JBP!
Just my 2 cents
Cindy

[Jarad]

I disagree as all the natives I've seen both bonsai & in the"wild" will fall into a traditional style type maybe not strictly but loosely based. People just need to be observant of how a native grows naturally in the ground & realise that some are not accepting to being styled like a JBP!
Just my 2 cents
Cindy

The problem is that the trees loosely fall into a traditional style. In competitions points are deducted for not conforming to the styles.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. JBP foliage is naturally a triangl. And gum tree foliage looks like clouds.

[Pup]

Hello. Just my I have entered natives in photo competition,both Internationaly,and Nationaly,not including AusBonsai I have won prizes in them. two of them were world wide.
With no special directions on other than 4 pictures front sides back, height specieses name.So it is not what style but is it better than the others. Cheers Pup .

[dansai]

This screed gave points to evaluate a bonsai with a range of points allotted to trunk, nebari, branch placement etc

My thoughts are that it would depend on how these things are judged and awarded points. If for branch placement and the most points were given for branches in the left/right/back type of arrangement then yes it limits the entries that would score well. However if points for branches were awarded if the branches were well placed aesthetically with larger branches towards the bottom of the tree for instance, they were mature with taper and ramification and exited the tree at an appropriate angle for the species, (i.e. not sharply down for a eucalypt) then it shouldn't matter if the tree was naturally styled of traditional.

The appeal of (and judging in the case of a competition) should be about the image created with maturity that only comes with well maintained and cared for trees however they are styled. A young JBP with traditional styling shouldn't score better than a mature native with great roots, aged trunk and bark, taper and ramification in branches and healthy foliage whatever the style it is in.

I have never been involved in or had a discussion with anyone about judging, or had trees in a competition other than on AusBonsai so I don't know how points are allocated. But it would be a shame if they were so narrow that a great tree would score badly if it wasn't traditional.

[Pup]

This screed gave points to evaluate a bonsai with a range of points allotted to trunk, nebari, branch placement etc

My thoughts are that it would depend on how these things are judged and awarded points. If for branch placement and the most points were given for branches in the left/right/back type of arrangement then yes it limits the entries that would score well. However if points for branches were awarded if the branches were well placed aesthetically with larger branches towards the bottom of the tree for instance, they were mature with taper and ramification and exited the tree at an appropriate angle for the species, (i.e. not sharply down for a eucalypt) then it shouldn't matter if the tree was naturally styled of traditional.

The appeal of (and judging in the case of a competition) should be about the image created with maturity that only comes with well maintained and cared for trees however they are styled. A young JBP with traditional styling shouldn't score better than a mature native with great roots, aged trunk and bark, taper and ramification in branches and healthy foliage whatever the style it is in.

I have never been involved in or had a discussion with anyone about judging, or had trees in a competition other than on AusBonsai so I don't know how points are allocated. But it would be a shame if they were so narrow that a great tree would score badly if it wasn't traditional.

Hello Dansai,if you can access a copy of Deborah Koreshoffs book there is judging guide in it. This has been used as the criterium for Australian shows. That I have been involved in . Cheers pup

[Cindy]

Just remember it is the judge's opinion at that time on that day. It might be different a month later.

Judges all have a different perception on what an ideal exhibit should display & some put more weight on structure than character/artistic design & vise a versa.
This is base on my experience from both being an exhibitor & judge in equestrian & pedigree feline competitions at both local & national level.
Cindy

[MelaQuin]

Australian natives [and ANY tree] often fall outside the 'Japanese' guidelines but the artistic guidelines of balance, proportion and harmony carry over to any tree, however styled. Judges know the guidelines but they also are aware that trees must be styled within their growth habits and their basic structure. Trees can fall outside the 'preferred' guidelines [and they are just guidelines - NOT 'rules'] and still be judged as worthy because they are harmonious and tell a story. If a tree is well styled but has obvious reverse taper or another serious fault than it cannot hope to compete. I have bonsai I love but seldom enter them in shows because I know they have no chance. Not because they are not good but because they will not be able to compete against larger, more traditionally styled trees. A lovely, delicate native cascade will never win over a more substantial black pine cascade and that's just how it is. The same tree will never win in a native class merely because the larger, more dominant natives tell a stronger story. That's the way it is. I have shown the tree but merely to give the public a chance to see a different bonsai.

What one also unfortunately has to accept when entering trees in any competition - size will almost always win. If two trees are comparable in quality the bigger one will get the gong. Again, and again and again. Somehow it seems that bigger means better even when it is recognised that it takes more skill to create a harmonious small tree. The sadder fact is that small trees become visually obscure when next to large trees.... you simply don't see them against something very dominant. These are some of the pitfalls in showing trees but it is still important to get the trees on display so the public gets to see what well styled bonsai are all about.

[SouthernSky]

For those of you who don't have the Koreshoff book, I post this without comment:

Trunk (15) -
Shape - according to Style (5)
Bark - well developed or not (3)
Marks - (0 if Wire Marks, otherwise 2)
Blemishes - (0 if unsightly cuts, otherwise 2)
Tapering - Natural or artificial (3)

Branches (25)
Distribution - Groups of three (5)
Development - of main branches (2)
Doubling - branch directly over another - (0-1)
Whorled - branches on the same level - (0-1)
Bark (of main branches - cuts etc.) (2)
Marks (left by wiring) (0-1)
Shape - according to Style - 4
Wiring - Quality and correctness of (3)
Reticulation - branches and sub branchlets (5)
Lack of reticulation - too few branchlets (0-1)

Foliage (15)
Leaves - Horticultural perfection (4)
Blemishes - Insects or Dry Margins (0-4)
Size - Proportionate to Tree (4)
Distribution - Not hanging below branch (3)

Roots (10)
Visible - Well or badly distributed (1-4)
Not visible - Soil condition (recent Pot) (3)
Butt - Shape of butt at soil level (3)

Soil (5)
Well finished - Clean of weeds etc. (1)
Moss - Quality (2)
Other Cover - Appropriate to tree (1)
Figurines - Deduct Two Points

Pot (5)
Pot - Cleanliness (1)
Size - Overpotted Deduct Two Points
Size - Good Proportion to Tree (2)
Size - Underpotted (effect good) (1)
Placement - Tree well positioned (1)

Aesthetic Quality (Subjective Judgement) (maximum 25 points)