What Would You Do With This Shimpaku?

naturesart

Greerhw- I agree 100% I was thinking the same thing. The branches on the apex have been bothering you, you have to camoflauge it a little with the foliage. Plus it gives the illusion of an older tree.

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cantstopsmilin

very nice, I like what you did with it, the original tree (for me) was really top heavy/ dominant, i like the more simplistic look you now have, i also think it makes it look like an older tree... both the before and after are great, but i do think i like what you've done with it better than what you had great job, beautiful tree... i can't wait to get a shimpaku myself in the future

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jared

Vonsgardens

Um, looks a little poodlish still, I would have bought the original tree is i had seen it, not sure about the current verson.

If you like it, that is what counts.

John

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"Wiring is simple; However, it is not easy to do it right" Boon

bonsaial1

When I view the before photo from a few years ago I see a much more Japanese feeling tree.

The new version gives me a more Chinese feel. This is due in part I think to the more as John says poodle feel of the foliage. The apex is very Chinese.

Harry's idea is trying to steer the tree back to a Japanese feel by slicking the apex and pulling the branches down.

One thing is for sure, the branches can't be glued back on so there no place else to go but the route it's on!

My opinion, I'm with John on this one though, I loved the visual before the lopping.

Cheers, Al

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no.... really!

Thomas_J.

Yeah that's the first thought that came to me also. (all the same, thanks for taking the time Harry)

The likes and dislikes are running pretty much the same and I'm kind of surprized because I thought there would be more dislikes. I'm really into the Chinese look and wish I had more of them in my collection.

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Thomas J.

PatArizona

G'day Mike and Thomas...

"...can't get away from the full foliage japanese look...".

To that I say double AMEN!

Pat

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

PatArizona

G'day Thomas...

Without seeing it up close and personal...if this were my bonsai...

I would move the right “almost spoke” branch toward the back…and the lowest right branch, more toward the front…

Also...I would be very much against removing any more branches...unless my goal was to make it a bunjin.

Hmmmm. That wouldn't be half bad...

Very nice bonsai, Thomas...enjoy it!

Pat

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

CScott

At first I hated it, after some study it is not quite as hideous, and after playing with another virtual I might even tolerate it .

I guess what bothers me is the very upright trunk and the uneven foliage in your photo. The apex hangs up there so isolated and lonely, then there is a bundle of foliage all in a wad half way down. There seems to be no grace compared to the original.

So.... I tilted it to the right, made some shari, and couldn't help but add and remove a few bits of foliage. I guess the chinese look is an acquired taste I will have to work on.

A very thought provoking thread - thank you so much for the learning experience.

Carmen

Attached Images

'chinese'-juni.jpg (71.5 KB, 31 views)

greerhw

It's a nice tree Thomas and with your talent I'm sure it will turn out fine, just keep us posted as to which direction you eventually go, I would like to see the results.
Harry

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