2016 Taikan-Ten - Bonsai Tree Display

[SLR5000]

The Taikan-Ten was held from the 19th to the 22nd November. Friday was the setup day where the judging takes place. The judging was explained to me like this:
The bonsai association selects the three best trees in each category.
Then, the sponsors of each of these categories (the various companies here in Japan) choose the winner of that category.

The trees with a long gold card alongside them (in the photos) indicates the tree is a winner of that category. Sorry, there was no English translation.

The overall best tree at the exhibition was shimpaku, and it was a stunning tree.

There were five Japanese maple trees in one display which are said to be the best five maples in Japan and they belong to one collector. Bjorn told us that this collector tries to have the five best trees of the species that he collects.

The sales area was overwhelming with pots, tools, stands, suiseki, and all other things relating to bonsai and, of course, trees. You could buy trees from $50.00 to over $100,000.00 Aust. One Japanese maple sold for $55,000 US.

You can look at all the photos you want, but it's not like being over here to experience the real thing.

Having Bjorn as our tour guide was a big plus - Bjorn imparted his knowledge to anyone who wanted to listen about bonsai. The highlight of the exhibition was Bjorn's critique towards the end of the day.
He asked us to pick out trees that we liked and he gave his opinion of that particular tree. He is very knowledgeable, and was happy to assist us with information or even helping to secure a good deal in the sales area.

You really need at least 2-3 days at the Taikan-Ten - with only one dayI just ran out of time just taking photos, talking, studying trees… and then there was the sales area to wander through and dream about.

I will put up as many tree photos as I can tonight, as we are leaving for Tokyo in the morning to visit the Kimura and Kobayashi bonsai nurseries. We have been to both nurseries before, but it's autumn now, and I am looking forward to see all the maples, etc in colour. Snow was forecast today for Tokyo, so it is starting to get very cold over here.

I hope you enjoy the trees!!!

Lance

[KIRKY]

Thanks Lance for sharing some great trees.
Cheers
Kirky

[Kevin]

Unbelievable, great narration too.
Just gotta get my jaw off the ground now.

Thanks again,
Kevin

[SLR5000]

Some more fantastic trees at the 2016 Taikan-Ten

I hope you enjoy them!!!!!

Lance

[GavinG]

Some magnificent literati shimpaku there - thanks for posting. Astonishing energy in the lines.

Gavin