Roots, Nebari (Visible Root Spread)

When appreciating bonsai, the first place to look is the spreading of the roots. The powerful vitality of the tree can be appreciated when noting how the roots have swelled with age through the years while maintaining a strong hold on the soil. One of the ideal styles is called happo-nebari, which has visible roots spreading in all directions. Some old trees, such as Japanese maple trees, are also attractive for their bankon, or rock-like roots that grow in a carapace shape.

Bankon (Rock-Like Root)

Trunk, Tachi-agari (the Lower Trunk)

The trunk, bearing up the tree, is another aspect of the bonsai to view. The part of the trunk from the roots to the first branch is called tachi-agari. Spreading up and out from this point displays vigor in the semblance of a mighty, full-sized tree. The bark of the trunk is varied in accordance with the type of tree. For example, the bark of many pine bonsai have appealing trunks with multiple layers of bark built up over many years.

Tachi-agari seen in Japanese White Pine

Branches, Edaburi (Gracefully-Shaped Branches)

The branches growing out of the trunk form the outline of a bonsai. One of the criteria of a quality bonsai is branches arranged in a pleasing balance without any ungraceful imi-eda, or faulty branches. Defoliated branches in winter are also beautiful as one can see each individual delicate branch.

Japanese Zelkova After Defoliation

Foliage

Foliage, in addition to the trunk, greatly affects the impression one receives from a bonsai. Each individual tree has different characteristics in its leaves, even within the same species. For example, varieties of Japanese white pine which have short, glossy needles are especially used as bonsai. The foliage on trees such as Japanese maples can be especially appreciated in the autumn when they change color.

An Autumn Tint View

Jin, Shari

The trunks and branches of trees such as the pine and the juniper can sometimes partially die through the passage of time yet still maintain their shapes. Such trunks bring out a beautiful contrast between their green leaves and the revealed white surfaces of their dead wood. The perished tips on the branches are called jin , and the dead white wood on parts of the trunk are called shari.

Jin・Shari