Bonsai styling

[tuma]

Hi all,

Browsing thru youtube channels and seeing amazing bonsai trees must takes dedication and plenty times to achieve the final goal. But i noticed that these amazing trees have a common theme which is the triangular shape. Why? Can anyone share some information? Or is it related back to the shape of a pine tree. I know most trees have a common triangular shape because thats how nature works.

David

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[Truth]

The triangle shape is the traditional formal upright and informal upright form, that harkens back to the pine tree aesthetic. These days, the triangular shape is the "safe" choice in that is usually provides you with a pleasing looking tree. Many artists now are pushing the boundaries of what is considered normal, or nice or traditional and are coming up with some beautiful trees, leaving behind the shackles of old.

By all means, start with a triangular form to familiarise yourself with the artform, bonsai techniques and trees, but if you see potential in your tree that would suggest otherwise, go for it!

You'll often hear bonsai described as the art of 2/3rds, in that proportions always try to relate to some other part of the tree in a 2/3rds relationship. Triangles lend themselves to this more than rectangular or oblong shapes. Again, guidelines rather than strict rules. There was a rather large thread just a few days ago with lengthy discussion on this topic.

[Matt S]

The Japanese prefer odd numbers and associate the number four with death. Asymmetry is an important design aesthetic in Zen philosophy. Therefore you'll see a lot of asymmetrical triangles in Japanese art.

From a botanical point of view, a branch that is shaded out by a branch above it will either die off or stretch out into the light, so a triangle shape optimizes the amount of light reaching the leaves.

Matt.