Same Tree, Different pot - redux

bonsaial1

Not to steal any of Thomas J's thunder on his excellent post and musings, I thought I would relate the story of my trident. Most here have followed the progress of this tree since I bought it three years ago. Last year it went into its first bonsai pot. I had to settle for a pot that was OK, but was not happy with the choice. I felt I could do better. Over the last two years, finding the correct pot has been troublesome. Wrong color, wrong depth, wrong shape, you know the drill.

All of a sudden it hit me, I have a low oval pot of the correct shape and color, and the pot carries some sentimental value as well, being made by my son while in high school 11 years ago.

I potted the tree up today and took some photo's. This is my first stab at a three point display and photo. Please feel free to discuss and critique till your hearts content.

Last year..this year

Tree - Trident Maple
Scroll - Prunus Mume
Accent - Shohin Prunus Mume

Attached Images

	125l.JPG (34.9 KB, 62 views)
	tridentrepot05.jpg (23.3 KB, 96 views)

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TreeBay

Al the tree is great. The pot is a big improvement. Put that son to work..

BUT.... I don't like the scroll with this at all. Looks too much like the tree.

Regards,

Matt

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Attila

Hi Al,

Very good tree, great scroll, lovely accent.

The trouble is, the beautiful Ume in the background kinda steals the show and crashes the party.

bonsaial1

I noticed that too... looks like I hung a mirror. Nice reflection though
Al

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Frogboy

I agree with your choice of pot, Al. That shallow oval is perfect, and the color complements the bark nicely.

Something about the display troubles me, though I can't quite put my finger on it. Partly it is that the tree is close enough to "touch" the scroll, removing the sparation of the 3-point display, making it feel more like a lopsided 2-point display. I don't think that's what's bothering me, though. The scroll is so similar to the tree itself that it lacks perspective. I'm not sure if that's the problem, either.

Could you perhaps shift the scroll slightly and re-shoot? Also, maybe try a different scroll, a distant winter scene, perhaps? I don't know if it will make a difference, but it might give us a little more food for thought.

But I wouldn't worry about the tree itself anymore. In my opinion, that pot is dead on. I just need to chew on this awhile.

Frog

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Frogboy

Al, you just nailed it. I have always viewed three point displays with the scroll almost as a window out of the scene. That scroll feels like a reflection of the scene. It turns it into an A:A:B instead of A:B:C composition. Because of the opposite curves of the tree and accent, I feel the need for the scroll's verticality to be maximized, and that curving image minimizes it instead. I say save that scroll for a tall upright and find something nice and rigid to counter the soft curves in the plants.

Frog

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pootsie

Nice work on the pot, Junior! Works well with tree, IMHO

Agree, the scroll is too strong a reflection, over-powering. That plus the the seasonal conflict -- winter tree and spring scroll.

pootsie

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Thomas_J.

Great choice of pot Al. I too agree with everyone else about the scroll being the wrong one, but then you didn't have to hear that again did you

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TreeBay

The season's right. Prunus mume bloom in winter before the maple even buds), but the scroll still doesn't work.

Regards,

Matt

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