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Originally Posted by mkonig
I think another thing that has to be mentioned here is the fact that a bonsai is not a copy of a tree in nature.
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I would suspect that for a bonsai tree to be credible it should for the most part mimic the same tree in nature. I think realism is an apt term to describe bonsai. For instance I've yet to see a pine or juniper tree in the broom style, nor a tropical in bunjin style. Yuji Yoshimura in 'the art of bonsai' states: "When deciding on the shape of a bonsai, it is essential to study the tree carefully from the point of view of its species and natural form." Harry Tomlinson in 'The Complete Book Of Bonsai' states: "Bonsai, although a Japanese word, is used and understood throughout the world. There is no convenient English translation: "a tree or shrub trained and pruned in such a way as to resemble a full-size tree, grown in a shallow container for artistic effect and as an impression of nature" is an accurate but not very concise definition". In my small collection of bonsai books the words nature and natural are often mentioned regarding the style and shape of bonsai trees. I personally would not like to see a ficus in full cascade. I believe it would appear to be an unnatural and unrealistic representation of the tree, but that's just my preference. IMO bonsai is art but art is not necessarily bonsai, if that makes any sense.
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Originally Posted by "mkonig
Who says that a tropical tree has to represent a tropical tree?
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Who says a pine has to represent a pine? No one that I'm aware of but how many pines do you see shaped as broom style elms? Ultimately I guess it is just a matter of personal taste.