Bonsai Focus (English Edition) – July-August 2019

Multiple trunk

In the case of creating a multiple trunk

tree, there will always be good and bad

points about the individual trunks, but

the fundamental idea is that there should

be a difference between the thickness of

the trunks. The main trunk should be the

thickest with a feel of height to it,. This is

followed by a secondary trunk of similar

thickness and other trunks significantly

thinner and moving outwards in other

directions, back and forward to create

an optical illusion. This tree was just five

trunks of similar thickness put in a pot

together, making it difficult to give the

impression of a forest.

Mr Ishii begins by removing the two

trunks planted to the rear, which feel

somewhat forced, and starting off with

a triple trunk tree. With trunks of this

thickness, using fewer trunks will achieve

some natural balance between them,

especially if the smaller of the trees is

separated slightly and positioned either

slightly towards the foreground or the

back. As a triple-trunk tree, it has some

future potential.

Checking the position

behind the main trunk.

Like this it will be hidden

far too much by the main

trunk and the merits of

creating a triple-trunk tree

will be lost

It is not positioned in the same line

as the two main trees, but slightly

towards the front. This won't be

in the way of the main trunks and

gives perspective

The position of the smallest trunk

Working with the trees from

the left side (1)

The smallest of the three trunks, on the left-hand side, is separated from the main group

As seen from the right-hand side. You can see the two

distinct groups of trees

62 SHOHIN Bonsai Focus