Chokkan
(Formal upright trunk)

A solitary tree with a straight and upright trunk. The Majestic appearance represents a large, tall tree standing in the mountains or on a vast low-land plain. Usually the tree's outline is in a pyramidal form.

Shakan
(Slanted trunk)

A tree with a slanting trunk that represent environments as may be seen on sea coasts and mountain slopes. The forces in Nature such as wind and snow create the slanting styles. Usually the trunk angle is not more than forty five degrees from the vertical. Branches are usually asymmetric and more developed on one side.

Moyogi
(Curved trunk)

A solitary tree with an upright, but curving trunk. This style depicts a tree that has struggled against the forces of Nature for many years. The classic form has the tree's apex located over the trunk base. The often twisted and picturesque branches are usually located on the trunk's outside curves.

Fukinagashi
(Windswept)

This category suggests a tree growing in a windy environment such as the sea shore, desert or mountain ridge. The trunk can be upright, slant or semi-cascade with the branches usually more abundant and longer on the side opposite the wind.

Bunjin
(Abstract and free style)

A tree with a tall, slender trunk line. This style is sometimes called 'living calligraphy' because of the pronounced visual movement found in the trunk and branches. Beautiful curves, sharp angles and unusual overall effects suggest similarities to the Southern School of Chinese Landscape Paintings. A popular style with Bonsai connoisseurs.

Kengai
(Cascade trunk)

This tree grows with the trunk cascading down from the pot's edge. Reminiscent of mountain pine and juniper cliff dwellers shaped by winter snow and gravity. A popular style for many species with many different sub-categories.

Sokan
(Double trunk)

This style is sometimes called affectionately by it’s nicknames; ‘Mother / Daughter, Father / son or even Husband / Wife.The two trunks of this tree share the same root system and commonly will be formed from a side sprout or a seedling from the ‘Mother Tree’. The Double Trunk design is easily found in Nature on many species of trees. Learning to design the Sokan properly lays the foundation for all of the other multi-trunk compositions.

Soju
(Twin tree)

Soju style is in some ways similar to the Sokan . The obvious likeness is reflected by the two trunks in both styles. However, the Soju trees are distinct individuals, each having it’s own separate root system. In many cases, just as in the natural world, the two trees eventually grow together forming a Sokan style.

Kabudachi
(Clump or sprout style)

Trees with strong, dominant roots very often produce this style. The trunks can be tall or short and can be few or many depending on the species and preference. Random spacing and naturalness are important to consider in this design. This growth habit occurs in evergreens and deciduous species alike.

Ikadabuki
(Raft style)

The ability of a plant to adapt to hardship and growing conditions better ensure it’s survival in the natural world. This style suggests a fallen tree in which the trunk lies on the earth with the branches changing their role to vertical in-line trunks forming a miniature forest. The trunk, when laid down like this, looks like a raft (Ikada) and (Buki) means to ‘grow from’- hence the name Ikadabuki.

Yose-ue
(Group planting)

One of the most natural bonsai arrangements, this style is well loved indeed! A number of trees are artistically arranged to suggest a natural woods or forest. Large or small, the visual poetry of a well designed Yose-ue almost enables the viewer to hear the birds singing and the frogs croaking. Generally, the same species of trees are used for maximum effect.

Ishi-zuke
(Rock clinging style)

This unique and popular style reflects one or more trees planted on or in a rock with the roots sometimes trained to grow over the stone and into the soil of the container. Quiet, darker color stones are used for visual strength and to provide a oneness with the tree. Usually greatly admired, these Bonsai get better and better as the years go by.

Saikei
(Group planting using trees, rocks, plants and moss to create a natural scene)

Saikei, which translated literally into English means “living landscape”, is the creation of Toshio Kawamoto who founded the school of Saikei. This art form is the creation in miniature, of entire natural landscapes. Using pre-Bonsai material, it is possible to capture the coolness and serenity of a wooded glade in a tray no larger than fifteen inches.

 

Kusamono
(Group planting of herbs, grasses and shrubs)

One of the joys of Bonsai is to follow each plant through it’s seasonal transformations. This is especially true with grasses, flowers and other annuals and perennials. This group of plants are some of the best representatives of seasonal change. Usually planted in shallow trays in mixed groups to suggest a season or place; displayed with Bonsai or as individuals they provide color and a whimsical contrast to the garden.