MULTI-TRUNK SUBALPINE FIR

[Wood]

Anyone has a preference for container? Nanban, slab, something else?

Wild suggestion here, but maybe something like this?



This specific pot seems a little too deeply proportioned, and the feet are a little bit heavy, but I quite like the steely grey/turquoise variegation in the glaze and subtle curves that echo a lot of the movement in the trunks

 

[Hartinez]

Stellar stellar image. Master class in styling per usual Sergio.

The trees I like tend to indicate directionality, some more than others, but guiding your eye across the tree and subsequent display really engages the viewer and creates a more dynamic image IMO. The really well executed ones indicate that directionality on more than one plane, right/left, up/down and even on an angle. This tree has great directionality on multiple planes in such an "untraditional" form. Multi trunk trees like this, in my opinion, should not sit in a "traditional" pot. Even one that is as irregular as a Nanban. While I think a nanban would look great, something that really highlights this trees uniqueness would really set it off and open up some great opportunities for subsequent display.

I can picture this tree sitting slope side exposed and beaten, forcing multiple trunks to grow. The first image that popped in my head is of a Nick Lenz juniper in a slanted pot. This tree has strong directionality like yours (something Nicks trees did so well) and sits in an asymmetrical "untraditional" pot that has me picturing the tree on an open slope of a high elevation mountain.

And if you do go with a nanban, maybe some well placed rocks to highlight the trees movement and slope is not a bad idea. seen in picture 2.

Inspiration maybe?



PLEASE EXCUSE MY CRUDE DRAWING. But you asked for ideas and here is mine! You get the idea.

 

[Gabler]

I like the sloped slab idea.

 

[Colorado]

I will go against the grain - not a huge fan of slabs generally and wouldn’t be my choice for this tree.

Personally, I find a lot of beauty and interest in the contrast between the wildness of the tree and the refinement of a ceramic container. I’d probably go nanban here.

The good news is that whatever you pick, Sergio, will undoubtedly look great

 

[Hartinez]

taking liberties here Sergio. I HUMBLY submit this mockup.

 

[Wood]

...The first image that popped in my head is of a Nick Lenz juniper in a slanted pot. This tree has strong directionality like yours (something Nicks trees did so well) and sits in an asymmetrical "untraditional" pot ...

Holy crap I love that pot. I want it

Another thought is a traditional penjing tray. An expansive white marble tray would be very dramatic and engaging. This tree feels very classically Lingnan penjing

 

[MACH5]

Thanks all for your feedback and ideas. Much appreciated!

Danny, I had similar feelings about the nanban. If I were to go in that direction I was hoping it would be something a bit more unique and not the more traditional forms we are used to seeing. I really like the idea of the slanted pot you showed. Quirky but not too distracting. Do you know who made the pot? Nice virt BTW!

TJ, I hear you. I often struggle with that idea. Slabs can be wonderful but I also think the geometry of a pot contrasts and helps enhance the more organic forms of a tree.

Ryan, that was the other concept I was playing with. What happens if I were to create a larger composition? Maybe even using other smaller firs of similar quality to create an alpine scene. Perhaps on a long rectangular pot with the soil profile higher on one end to suggest a slope. Something a bit more evocative and not so descriptive as penjin can often be.

 

[Hartinez]

Thanks all for your feedback and ideas. Much appreciated!

Danny, I had similar feelings about the nanban. If I were to go in that direction I was hoping it would be something a bit more unique and not the more traditional forms we are used to seeing. I really like the idea of the slanted pot you showed. Quirky but not too distracting. Do you know who made the pot? Nice virt BTW!

TJ, I hear you. I often struggle with that idea. Slabs can be wonderful but I also think the geometry of a pot contrasts and helps enhance the more organic forms of a tree.

Ryan, that was the other concept I was playing with. What happens if I were to create a larger composition? Maybe even using other smaller firs of similar quality to create an alpine scene. Perhaps on a long rectangular pot with the soil profile higher on one end to suggest a slope. Something a bit more evocative and not so descriptive as penjin can often be.

Not sure who made the pot, but I assume since it’s a Nick Lenz tree that he may have produced the pot as well. I know he did that often with some of his more unique compositions

 

[Wulfskaar]

It's really cool to get a glimpse into your thinking regarding the artistic side of what I consider exquisite bonsai. It really gives me a lot of food for thought and a lot of inspiration.

 

[MACH5]

Not sure who made the pot, but I assume since it’s a Nick Lenz tree that he may have produced the pot as well. I know he did that often with some of his more unique compositions

Yes of course, no doubt a Nick pot!

 

[PeaceLoveBonsai]

Well done Mach. Thanks for sharing.

 

[badatusernames]

Anyone has a preference for container? Nanban, slab, something else?

I find myself agreeing with the “slab” folks, I feel like there’s too much going on for a nanban, if that makes sense, needs something more to make it a scene

Slanted slab is a great idea but I feel like I’d go for a more natural stone (or unglazed clay that looks like a stone)

A more “in nature” feel to it than something geometric

All comes down to personal taste, I could see Ryan Neil going the geometric route for instance

 

[defra]

Nice work! But i dont expect less from you haha
About the pot maybe bit out of the box
Maybe the right sort of cresent pot might work as example i like this combo


But a unglazed oval pot wich used in forest planting would be good too i think.
I can photoshop something later if you like but i am at work at the moment so can have a look when i am home

 

[MACH5]

Nice work! But i dont expect less from you haha
About the pot maybe bit out of the box
Maybe the right sort of cresent pot might work as example i like this combo
View attachment 567847

But a unglazed oval pot wich used in forest planting would be good too i think.
I can photoshop something later if you like but i am at work at the moment so can have a look when i am home

Thank you! Interesting although unsure about a crescent. I think it may add too many curves? And sure, if you feel so inclined I'd like to see the virt with an unglazed pot

 

[defra]

Thank you! Interesting although unsure about a crescent. I think it may add too many curves? And sure, if you feel so inclined I'd like to see the virt with an unglazed pot

i used a more subtile crescent pot for me personaly its not distracting but ofcourse there is different taste
no 2 is with drum pot and last one with shallow oval unglazed
to be fair i think there are lots of possible combos for this tree
yes i could have spent some time doing a better job on your table but i just wanted to fit the pots
if you have pictures of other pots you want to visualize just let me know

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I see it on a natural slab with a build up or outcropping on the right side, something like this, but maybe less landspeeder-like in appearance.

 

[Hartinez]

I see it on a natural slab with a build up or outcropping on the right side, something like this, but maybe less landspeeder-like in appearance.View attachment 567869

@MACH5

 

[badatusernames]

I see it on a natural slab with a build up or outcropping on the right side, something like this, but maybe less landspeeder-like in appearance.View attachment 567869

Exactly!

Nice work! But i dont expect less from you haha
About the pot maybe bit out of the box
Maybe the right sort of cresent pot might work as example i like this combo
View attachment 567847

But a unglazed oval pot wich used in forest planting would be good too i think.
I can photoshop something later if you like but i am at work at the moment so can have a look when i am home

I like this for this tree, but I think with the multiple trunks it’d clash

 

[MACH5]

View attachment 567855View attachment 567856View attachment 567857
i used a more subtile crescent pot for me personaly its not distracting but ofcourse there is different taste
no 2 is with drum pot and last one with shallow oval unglazed
to be fair i think there are lots of possible combos for this tree
yes i could have spent some time doing a better job on your table but i just wanted to fit the pots
if you have pictures of other pots you want to visualize just let me know

Wonderful! Thank you for your time doing these virts. I really like the third one with the shallow oval pot!

 

[MACH5]

I see it on a natural slab with a build up or outcropping on the right side, something like this, but maybe less landspeeder-like in appearance.View attachment 567869

I also like this idea as well Bri. The rock formation on the right is a curious and interesting element which makes it more interesting.