The Elegant Bonsai Thread

[GSCarlson]

Are all elegant bonsai literati? Are all literati bonsai elegant?

 

[Brain Treez]

My most "elegant" tree-in-planning is this Golden Weeping Boxwood. Come spring it will get repotted and trimmed back with something like this in mind:

 

[Cajunrider]

Are all elegant bonsai literati? Are all literati bonsai elegant?

One is a style, the other represents artistic character. They are not mutually inclusive.

 

[Nybonsai12]

I appreciate fat trunked massive nebari trees but certainly love literati. Only one I have that somewhat fits the bill. A light delicate JM or JWP without too much movement but just enough are wonderful IMO.

 

[GSCarlson]

One is a style, the other represents artistic character. They are not mutually inclusive.

Elegant can not be considered a style? Literati does not represent artistic character?

 

[Cajunrider]

Elegant can not be considered a style? Literati does not represent artistic character?

Let's not argue over semantic. You know what I mean. Even large tree can be and not every literati tree is elegant.
For me, elegant is an adjective while literati is a noun. The difference is quite clear.

PS: My collection of literati trees are mostly clumsy. I have been able to make one that is elegant and artistic in my eyes. I am still trying though.

 

[Wulfskaar]

I've got a few trees heading towards an elegant, feminine design (I hope!). I think they can be extremely beautiful.

 

[defra]

I can enjoy both and so also aim to have both in refinement stage but so far nothing to show im growing a fraxinus trunk wich i aim to grow out more tall and slender it needs a chop in spring and then another two growing seasons to close the wound from the first chop and the one ill create in spring.
Ill try to post some pictures later

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Are all elegant bonsai literati? Are all literati bonsai elegant?

Nope

 

[PaulH]

Rosemary




Chaparral honeysuckle

 

[JustALoneSpirit]

View attachment 575320

I appreciate fat trunked massive nebari trees but certainly love literati. Only one I have that somewhat fits the bill. A light delicate JM or JWP without too much movement but just enough are wonderful IMO.

I suppose it would look better if the lowest branches were cut- just a mere suggestion, it's different in everyone's eyes. I would prefer them cut!!

 

[JudyB]

Often we see big fat trunks with loads of taper being seen as the ultimate aim. With this, we forget about lightness, elegance and age such as corkbark and twisty turny branches. Particularly for deciduous bonsai but also for some coniferous plants lightness and feminine forms are well suited.

Would love to hear other peoples thoughts on this and see inspirational elegant and light trees.

AMEN! I only read this first post so far so will go back and read the thread now, but I find the emphasis on heavy masculine hulks to be warranted, but at the expense of the finely made elegant trees I do not like at all.

 

[Nybonsai12]

I suppose it would look better if the lowest branches were cut- just a mere suggestion, it's different in everyone's eyes. I would prefer them cut!!

The lowest branches have been intentionally left year after year as the point to chop to. Just haven’t chopped yet.