Page 39 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q4

Pot; to include the appropriateness of the pot
(shape, color, texture) and the position of the tree
in the pot.
Stand where used; appropriateness of size, color
and design.
Aesthetics, general impression; is it presented at
the correct angle thus showing that the balance of
the tree is correct? Are the respective volumes of
foliage and branches, compared to each other, in
harmony and are these volumes in proportion to
the tree? Is the tree styled in such a way that it gives
a strong impression of depth? Styling a tree can cre-
ate an artificial appearance. Is the work on the tree
done in such a way that it still gives the impression
that the artist merely interfered in the natural ap-
pearance of the tree.

Often, on being invited to judge bonsai at a society
Pinus sylvestris: Height - 31 cms. show or exhibition, you are presented with the soci-
As a basic concept, this Scots pine, could in time become an exceptional bonsai, but ety’s own set of judging criteria, including a points
at present it needs to develop greater foliage in relation to trunk and branch structure. system for scoring each set of criteria. These can prove
The pot, stand and trunk blend together in a dramatic fashion. It is let down is by the highly detailed and comprehensive, to the extent that
lack of foliage. The foliage part of the tree could afford to be lifted to reveal the branch an enormous amount of time can be spent ‘ticking
formation, there is a need for more needle development. Once that is ultimately all the boxes’. While the purpose behind such judging
achieved, we will have a dramatic tree but perhaps not a truly great tree. may be well intentioned, it can prove a very time con-
suming exercise if faced with judging a large number
of trees. On occasion I have been confronted with the
task of judging over 150 bonsai at National and In-
ternational level. Time is a luxury one does not have
on these occasions. Lists like the one on the facing
page are perhaps put to better use as teaching aids
for those hoping to become bonsai judges. Then they
are able to look at all possible variables necessary in
assessing a good bonsai from one which stands out as
being exceptional.
In reality, developing an eye for evaluating a bonsai
stems largely from experience. This is based upon a
clear awareness of which features of each individual
tree stand out and make the greatest impression.
I have created a list of the most significant criteria a
judge should consider when examining a bonsai ex-
hibition. The list encompasses a range of features, not
all of which would apply to every tree. This list was
designed initially as a score sheet, marks having been
allocated for each of the points listed. For the purposes
of this article, the idea is to draw upon this list as a
learning tool rather than as a score sheet. Hence, the
marks allocated for each feature within each section
have been removed. This list, which includes items not
originally listed such as jin and shari, and also includes
Juniperus sabina: Height - 90 cms. the use stands on which it is exhibited, covers features
An award-winning tree which beautifully reflects the semi- cascade style. Effective use on which judges must reflect in making their decision.
of deadwood; branch positioning and refinement excellent. Good balance of tree, pot Judging, be it a floral display, paintings, dog or cats,
and stand. or in this case bonsai, is not just a matter of arriving
The effect is accentuated by the use of a sickle pot as well as the use of a mix of at a numeric score; it is rather a case of distinguishing
ground cover. Foliage mass is neat and well styled. Already an award winning tree, that between a number of bonsai that are all good and ar-
will develop into a memorable tree with just a little more foliage. riving at a conclusion based on which is First, Second
and Third, and maybe, which ones we consider to be
of such a standard that would warrant, an Award of
Merit.

October/November/December 2014 | BCI | 37