Bonsai tree: Case study: balance

Friday, April 23, 2010

Bonsai tree: Case study: balance

Balance is one of my favorite topics for bonsai discussions. The term can be used broadly – I recently mentioned a few of the possibilities in relation to trees exhibited this year by the Bay Area Bonsai Associates.
One of the more primary considerations is whether a tree points left or right. Getting direction right has a big effect on a tree’s overall balance and is key to setting up formal displays. Just this week I’ve had several discussions about the direction of the tree below. It’s a Japanese black pine.
Black pine silhouette
It’s a great case study. Looking at it brings up a number of questions for me.
  • Does the tree point left or right?
  • What makes you think so?
  • Does the tree have good balance?
  • Would the tree look better if it pointed the other direction?
  • Are there areas for improvement?
I’m curious to hear what you think about it: feel free to share your ideas – even if it’s your tree!

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