Creating a Sculpted Plated/Board Trunk on Conifers

[Deleted member 47471]

After consuming a few hours of Japanese content on plated trunk creation, this is how I have come to understand each step in the process:



Over time, the rounded/circular cross section changes in diameter and shape via Shari, hand tool carving, shifting the live vein, lime sulfur, and sand paper + oil to make a “board trunk” or “plated trunk” as they call it in Japan.

It seems that early trunk movement/bending/twisting is essential to the future Shari and type of trunk that is desired. If the fibers do not move or twist, then the forced twisting carved Shari will be inconsistent with the straight and linear fibers

 

[Deleted member 47471]

Additionally, choosing to keep a live vein on the outside of a curve will allow the live vein swelling to accentuate the bend/curve, whereas a live vein in the inside of a curve will swell and lessen the curvature.

But there is also the concept of nature and the elements effecting on a tree. For example, if the flow of the tree is to the left (curvy, twisty windswept), then Shari is realistically existing on the outside at the right on the trunk, indicating exposure to sun/wind/rain/etc. for believable deterioration.

 

[KateM]

Can you post a pic example?

 

[gooeytek]

do you twist the trunk on its axis? or curl it?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

do you twist the trunk on its axis? or curl it?

On its axis, so that the woodfiber inside gets a corkscrew like motif.

 

[gooeytek]

On its axis, so that the woodfiber inside gets a corkscrew like motif.

That is what I thought. I love that twisted shari and live vein swirl on junipers.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

That is what I thought. I love that twisted shari and live vein swirl on junipers.

If you twist in year one, and bend in year two, it's going to be amazing wood.

I'm applying this technique to one of my pines and even though it looks like an octopus now, it will be some of the most radical dead wood I've ever created.

 

[gooeytek]

If you twist in year one, and bend in year two, it's going to be amazing wood.

I'm applying this technique to one of my pines and even though it looks like an octopus now, it will be some of the most radical dead wood I've ever created.

I'm gonna get one and try it!

 

[Deleted member 47471]

Can you post a pic example?

Example:

Example:

 

[Deleted member 47471]

Example:

Example: View attachment 554527

Sorry, the YT is supposed to be Bonsai Q (Mr. Kanta) demonstrating Shari on either side of a juniper and discussing live vein swelling. It was posted a few days ago by me.