by Midge Goeth

Continuing with our discussion on style, I spoke with several members and asked what was their favorite style of bonsai. Because two of our members like the Literati or Bunjin style, we will talk a bit about this form even though it is somewhat difficult to describe.

David Prescott defines Literati (Bunjingi) as: “Named after a group of Chinese scholars who established it, this style involves a single conifer with a slender trunk and minimal foliage. It represents a tree that once stood on the edge of a forest but is now the only one left standing. Appropriate for conifers; usually pines.” (He puts it in a nonclassical style with windswept, spiral trunk, and driftwood styles - ED)

Bonsai artist Harry Tomlinson has these comments on Literati:

Also called Bunjin, this style of tree is often seen at the seashore or in areas where trees have grown up reaching for the light in competition with other trees that have since died or been felled. Characteristically, the trunk line flows or twists through several curves. Some trees grow this way with old age - the Scot pine naturally assumes this style in maturity. Most conifers can be recommended for growing as literati, and rugged deciduous trees such as flowering apricot and hawthorn.

American bonsai master John Y. Naka describes bunjin: The bunjin style of bonsai is so free that it seems to violate all the principals of bonsai form. The indefinite style has no specific form and is difficult to describe, however, its confirmation is simple, yet very expressive. No doubt its most obvious characteristics are those shapes formed by old age and extreme weather conditions.

Trees pictured (in old master sumi paintings) with crossed trunks and branches would be messy and confusing in any other bonsai style, but is acceptable in bunjin style. On a formal upright style, a branch that returns back to the trunk and crosses it would be unacceptable, and such a violating arrangement would grate against the senses. However, on a bunjin style such a reversal can give an exciting dramatic tension and a freedom to the tree.

Tommy McCurry, who has been practicing the art of bonsai for many years, and who has a backyard filled with specimen trees of various styles, does not own a literati. When asked what was his favorite style, he immediately said literati. I feel that the challenge or intrigue associated with our hobby is what keeps us all stretching to reach out and try new designs.

Tommy feels that literati is one of the more difficult styles to create and one that has alluded him for quite some time. Because this style has better result with pines and junipers and he has less success in growing conifers, Tommy's challenge lies with the literati. My guess is that Tommy will have a specimen literati very soon.

Another member, John Callaway, also indicated that literati was a favorite style. John has been actively growing bonsai for three years and has focused primarily on informal upright designs. He said he has been reading more about literati and started one last year. The squirrels ate it!!! His next attempt will be with an Eastern Red Cedar and is also thinking about a Ponderosa Pine. He saw one styled in literati and liked what he saw. I believe most of us get our ideas from articles in books, or the internet, but most certainly from going to shows and garden tours. Our club garden tour in June gave me many ideas for future trees as well as inspiration for total yard and garden design.

Next month - Informal Upright.