Page 12 - Ebook bonsai for beginner

Bonsai size classifications

The ultimate goal of Bonsai is to create a realistic depiction of nature. As
a Bonsai gets smaller (even down to a few inches/centimeters) it
increasingly becomes abstract, as opposed to resembling nature in a

more precise way. Several classifications of Bonsai have been put
forward, and although the exact size classifications are disputed, they
help to gain understanding of the aesthetic and botanical aspects of
Bonsai. The classifications are originally based on the number of men
needed to lift the actual tree.

The size classifications, increasing in size
Keshitsubo 1-3” (3-8 cm)
Shito 2-4” (5-10 cm)
Mame 2-6” (5-15 cm)
Shohin 5-8” (13-20 cm)
Komono 6-10” (15-25 cm)
Katade-mochi 10-18” (25-46 cm)
Chumono / Chiu 16-36” (41-91 cm)

Omono / Dai 30-48” (76-122 cm)
Hachi-uye 40-60” (102-152 cm)
Imperial 60-80” (152-203 cm)

Bonsai sizes illustrated