Mame Bonsai
by John B.
When the average bonsai person uses the word “mame”, I am pretty sure they have in mind some sort of bonsai size, but what size exactly, is a mystery. Generally, I think, they visualize a bonsai that is small, or rather smaller than normal size bonsai, whatever those are. This sort of uncertainty is not surprising.
A review of three authors – John Naka, Yuji Yoshimura and Deborah Koreshoff – shows that only Koreshoff (Bonsai – Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy.) lists the word in the index. John Naka does not list the word – although he uses it – until his Bonsai Techniques II was published in 1982, nine years after Bonsai Techniques was released. In fairness, all three authors describe bonsai in terms of their height. So even if the word mame is not always used, it can be inferred that all three are in agreement that “mame” is pretty darn small, in the height range of 2 to 6 inches. Naka, for example, says “…three or four should fit on an average hand.” Yoshimura (The Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes) refers to this size as “small bonsai”.
In his second Techniques John Naka says, that “small bonsai is no longer called “mame bonsai” in Japan.” Rather, it is now “known as Shohin or Komono bonsai.” Literally translated it means “small article”…..” In a conversation with John some years ago he told me that “Shohin”, perhaps because of its English definition, has become a generic term, and is commonly used to define any bonsai under 11 inches. The height of these bonsai is measured from the top of the root mass to the tip of the tree.
For purists, the classification of these small gems, based on their size – the smallest, known as “poppy seed size” is sown directly into a tiny pot – can become just a bit more than frustrating. And then there is always the debate about using the correct Japanese names. These names are provided by Koreshoff and Naka, for those readers who are interested.
On a personal note, I use the word “Shohin” to mean a bonsai less than about 11 inches tall. Most often, though, the term “Miniature Bonsai” is used to describe trees of this size. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, the Japanese have started to use “Miniature Bonsai” when text is translated into English, and it is clear that the bonsai referred to, are definitely under one foot.
Creating miniature bonsai presents certain challenges. The plant material suitable for regular size trees might not be suitable for these smaller trees. Therefore, as Naka says in Bonsai Techniques II: “Material for Shohin bonsai must be selected with both logic and sense, because it must be well balanced as well as miniature in size.”
This statement cannot be over emphasized, and the reason it is so important is because miniature bonsai have to conform to the same rules and standards as the larger versions: trunk line, proportion between trunk size and height, branch placement, proportion of foliage to size of tree and so on. The only exception is that pots are usually a little larger than normal ratios would call for. And that is because miniatures require greater care and attention, for example, in watering.
A mature miniature bonsai should exhibit the same refinement as larger trees. It will be more difficult to achieve because there is less material to work with, but with patience, the right material and a lot of TLC, it can be done successfully and with a lot of satisfaction.
To get an idea of what excellent miniatures look like, what plant material is used, pot selection, and tips on creating and maintenance, browse through the magazine International BONSAI. Doris Froning, an authority on these small treasures, has an article in almost every issue.
Another source, although only photos, are the Kokufu-ten bonsai albums. There, the bonsai are formally displayed, and are referred to as “Mini bonsai”.
There is also a Japanese web site by Kyosuke Gun and Sachiko Iwasaki at: http://www.mini-bonsai.com/indexe.html (The “e” at the end of the word “indexe” is intentional!) This site is in both Japanese and English.
Enjoy!