Dragon Bonsai Style?

JDubinski

Hey All,

So I have heard/ seen the term "dragon style" in a couple of places, but I have been looking for some examples of what would be considered a "dragon style" bonsai.

I have a tree that has two rather low branches on it and I envision them being the "front feet" of a dragon when I look at the tree. I am attaching a picture. The whole tree is very immature and needs time to develop. I like the species and the different levels within the tree. It is a natal plum.

If anyone could describe or post a picture of what a "dragon style" looks like or let me know if it isn't a style at all and it is just being described as such.

Thanks again friends!

Attached Images

DSC00172.jpg (72.8 KB, 93 views)

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smartie2000

Hi,
I wouldn't consider your tree to be dragon style. Dragon style is an very artistic style that is chinese influenced. The main trunk would have many twists and curves, like that of a dragon. Some of the twists may be very strong and this movement is emphasized. The tree actually looks like a chinese dragon.
There are examples of the dragon style and many other styles at:
http://www.bonsaimalaysia.com/html/bonsai_styles.html

bumblebee

Look up dragon bonsai on this forum. There are some good examples in the gallery.

Libby

RedPine

I am very found of the dragon trees, at the Man Lung gardens web page is a few examples of the Lung style that are truly awe inspiring. As a note on culturist the dead examples are saved and hung from rafters, ceilings etc.. as a charm, to let the dragons soar. Here in this pic I am posting is really the best example I have seen and it is from a Chinese artist. I had a decent attempt at the style using a Fukien Tea named Nessie for awhile, the head and horn carving turned out well but since the species does produce rooting like I really would want the idea and tree was culled. If I ever can find the right Microcarpa material to use I plan to start over.

Attached Images

dragonsais~1.jpg (33.4 KB, 89 views)

JDubinski

Thanks for answering my question. I wasn't sure. The Dragon style is more of the snake bodied dragon and not the fat-bellied European version of a dragon.

Who knows how I'll end up styling this tree. I know that I will definitely not be able to create the curves and twists in it to make a "Dragon." Maybe after some repotting in the spring, I will have some more inspired ideas as to how to develop this one. I might remove the two lower branches, or repot it so that it becomes a cascade.

Thanks for the clarification.

J

rockm

for what it's worth, I've heard and read that the "dragon" in Japanese bonsai, at least, is one that's not obvious. It is more subtle and more an accumulation of traits than a visual interpretation of a dragon. On a pine, thick plated bark on an old, twisting trunk half glimpsed through old branches is akin to a dragon reaching skyward...

Chineese bonsai and penjing are bit more literal

ElGringo

<--------------- Not all dragons are Chinese apparently! My dragon is not 'fat bellied' haha. Not in bad shape for a 1500 year old

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