Esprit Bonsai International – August 2019

46 - EspritBonsaiInternational # 101

�Shohin:
Small Bonsais

H A branchgrowingat

the inner curveisremoved.

I Oftenthistypeofgrowthwilldie

whenpositionedinsidecurves,shaded

outbyuppergrowth.

J The

arrangement

of thefirst

lower

branches

setsthebasis

forthatof

allother

branches.

K To qualify as shohin bonsai the top must

be lowered by at least 3 cm (1¼ in.).

When should the wire come off?

Wire is not removed until it

bites slightly into the branch,

which might be after a year

or more. Juniper branches

do not hold their position if

they are not beginning to

swell a little around the wire.

This is a delicate technique

and branches have to be

observed closely during the

growing season to remove

the wire as soon as swelling

occurs. Waiting too long will

make scars difficult to heal.

Removing wire too soon

might result in the branch

not staying in the desired

position. If so, rewire the

branch, applying wire in the

opposite direction of the first

wiring, and give it another go.

F The first branch is lowered. The second

branch is lifted slightly to add interest and a

natural elevation of the foliage pads.

G Each small branch is carefully arranged so the

foliage pads are fanned out, all receiving light.