Page 27 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q2

The Yamadori Aesthetic Conifers from Nature
The importance of the yamadori aesthetic stems Conifers from seed are very rare because it requires
from the beauty of all parts of the tree. The nebari, decades for results, despite the fact that this approach
trunk, shari, jin, bark and leaves, come together to may lead to a very high level of quality. The technique of
create a maximum expression. Especially in conifers, yamadori therefore is favoured in this context, both for
the phenomenon reaches an ultimate clarity. the preference for the conifers of the forms tied to old
The aesthetic quality is primarily expressed trees, and for the contrasts of austerity and naturalness
in adherence to the concept of miniaturization that are found only in these plants. Many trees grown
which can reach levels of artistic universality, and from seed actually start as two-year old seedlings
psychoanalytical coherence to the origin of bonsai. collected in nature, taking advantage of natural
The Art of Bonsai was born when plants already selection that allows you to work with stronger trees.
miniaturized by nature, were collected and put into The conifers represent the majority of bonsai for the
pots. Miniaturized trees express the concept of the technical potential and the stability of the cultivation Successful
world in miniature and refuge (Yamagoya) which is in a container. The techniques used for conifers and Transplanting
typical of the mountain. This experience is universal, the need of vigorous growth, distinctively favour the
so much so that many bonsai enthusiasts, attracted by genetic force typical of araki, especially from high consists in the
miniature trees, start with this technique despite the altitudes. Some of the results with these techniques observance
operational difficulties. are only possible on these plants.
My own experience was born in the mountains, The entire sculptural sphere linked to Jin, shari and of 11 points
collecting araki before knowing what a bonsai was: saba reaches its maximum expression in the araki requiring
a clear testimony to the universality of bonsai. The that are normally sought with parts already made in
parallel between the most extreme beauty, especially nature, or at least with a part of the branches and the careful
from the point of view of naturalness and austerity, trunk with potential to sculpt or carve. The creation analysis. Also,
and the metaphysical aspect of the shelter, allows us to of a bonsai with ancient character requires starting
consider these plants at the maximum level of bonsai. material much larger than the resulting composition, experience
The nebari can reach a considerable degree of and also from this aspect was born the idea of research plays a
naturalness, and is second only to bonsai grown from into yamadori techniques.
seed. The trunk can represent the highest levels of The main conifers are pines, yews and junipers, but fundamental
asymmetry with always unique and unrepeatable in mountainous areas you can find also native species. role and it is
shapes. The bark of an araki has a degree of naturalness The pine in particular plays a fundamental role in the
and austerity without comparison because of the Japanese origin for the meaning of the tree which grows important
thin and abundant scales. The shari and jin have also on rocks. The pines and conifers in general then to follow
the greatest beauty for they are the work of nature, play a role of great importance in collections but also
but also sculpturally, yamadori wood is the best for represent a great challenge to make them take root. recommended
texture and durability. The quality of the leaves is the techniques
subject of great discussion in the bonsai scene for the Successful Transplanting
appreciation of the ornamental value of the variety The yamadori technique is not a perfect science. if you want
selected or the naturalness of species. As well, for First of all you need to research where it is possible to gain the
some masters, the natural leaf has the highest level to harvest without adversely affecting the land and the
of naturalness, while for others, the varieties selected laws for the protection of wildlife, and to obtain legal capacity for
for higher ornamental value have a greater degree of permits or permission. This is done by contacting the vigorous
aesthetic tranquility. forestry authorities.
There are different methods for transplanting cultivation.
Deciduous Trees related to historical periods, to people and places.
The deciduous trees normally have origins from The method explained is developed to obtain a result
seed or cuttings, but some styles may start from an for the rooting of old trees that improves the survival
araki, especially in Chinese and Southeast Asian rate from the normal 20% to a 50% survival rate (with
traditions. Chinese penjing are almost always araki. peaks of 90%), recalling that historically, transplant
Cutting edge research into deciduous yamadori survival—including Japan—is around 20%. The
can be meaningful only for mountain species such as percentage given must be considered in a time frame
beech, chestnut and oak trees for temperate climates, of decades to have meaningful results.
and the whole group of Mediterranean deciduous The yamadori method consists in the observance of
trees. In the sub-tropical environments many species 11 topics requiring careful analysis. Also, experience
are suitable for this type of technique to the ease with plays a fundamental role and it is important to follow
which you have styles of very old trees that are scarred recommended techniques if you want to gain the
with age. In principle, the guidelines favor growing capacity for vigorous cultivation.
deciduous trees from seed to achieve bonsai styles that
mimic forms created by the natural growth habit of 1. Selection of suitable materials:
the species; and favour deciduous araki for bonsai that The quality of the material to be collected is linked
follow the styles of old trees. to good vegetative vigor, conditions favouring

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