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A number of years ago Bonsai Today magazine published an article entitled "Preparation Before An Exhibition." The article dealt with the "Preparation Of The Tree", the "Selection Of The Pot For Display", the "Placement Of Moss And Other Items", and the "Selection Of The Stand For Display". We have reprinted the latter section as part of our current focus on stands and exhibitions of trees. |
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Avoid using this with trees that are not capable of drawing the attention of the observer away from the stand. In general, tall stands are suitable for bringing out the harsh conditions in which certain strong trees grow. |
Some slabs are finished and others are not. When they have grain, you must first decide on the position of the slab. Generally, they are suitable for bonsai with smooth lines planted in somber pots. |
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What was said about the slab above applies to this one. The showiness of its colour and shape make it inappropriate for trees with a simple line, unable to counteract the flashy character of the slab. |
It gives a more ceremonious feeling than an ordinary stand, so the tree to be placed on it must also be powerful in style. It is suitable, for example, for trees in the informal upright style with stong, thick trunks. |
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It can be used for any type of tree, such as conifers, deciduous trees, fruit-bearing or flowering trees. But it is not suitable for trees that give a feeling of heaviness - it goes better with those with smoother lines. |
Right for trees in the cascade and semi-cascade styles. |
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Except for trees in cascade or bunjin styles, it is a stand with a great variety of uses. However, it is necessary to have many sizes on hand. |
In general it is right for robust trees planted in pots with a strong shape, like rectangular ones. It goes well with trees in formal upright style with thick trunks. |
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Similar in form to the writing desk stand, it has a great variety of uses, but the gentle effect of its decorations makes it especially suitable for deciduous trees, fruit-bearing and flowering trees. |
For both conifers and deciduous trees, it can be used with many types of trees, provided their silhouettes are well balanced and are not very large. Sometimes, even bunjin style trees or large accent plants can be placed on it. |
It would be very difficult to have all of the ten types of stands on hand, so, think about which ones you could do without. If one does not have a slab with a natural shape cut directly from a trunk, one with a rectangular shape is sufficient. It is also possible to do without one style of tall stand. Likewise, select one of either the writing desk type stand, "sanmoku," "tenhai," or "maki". If it is possible, it is advisable to always have a round stand. Therefore, five types of stands should be sufficient.
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With large-sized stands with feet, the tree is usually placed in the center of the stand, but consideration must be given to the movement and direction of the tree. In the sketch it can be appreciated that it is not advisable to place a tree that moves toward the right on the right side of the stand. |
Since either the front or the back part can be used indiscriminately, it is possible to place the tree on any one of the three points. Avoid having the grain of the slab stand out too much. |
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A stand is needed that is in proportion to the size of the bonsai as seen in its entirety. |
There is space remaining on the sides of the pot and the branches extend a little over the sidees of the stand. |
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The size of the stand almost reaches the width of the tree, making the latter seem smaller. The stand draws too much of the ovbserver's attention. |
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Although you have a selection of stands of various shapes, one still has to be selected that complements the size of the bonsai. It is not necessary to consult any manual: the instinct for making a good selection is achieved by observing bonsai exhibited by other people.
Printed with permission of Bonsai magazine. Excerpt is from issue 68,
July/August 2000, pages 60 and 61.
For information on Bonsai Today magazine visit bonsaitoday.com