Advanced Bonsai Styles – Fukinagashi, Bankan and Bunjin

There are a number of basic bonsai styles, including the chokkan (formal upright), shakan (informal upright) and kengai (cascade.) There are other styles that do not fit neatly into one particular category, however. These divisions are subjective, of course, but the new styles help to inspire bonsai artists and guide them onto new work projects.

There are a number of advanced bonsai styles, including the Fukinagashi (Windswept), the Bankan (Twisted) and the Bunjin (Literati.)

Fukinagashi
The windswept style of Fukinagashi is an attempt to mimic nature’s effects on a smaller scale on these unique trees. The trunk of the tree will be slanted, as though it has grown in an area where the wind blows more strongly in one direct than another. The branches will need to match this look and acquire a bend in the preferred direction to look appropriate.

If you ever see a tree on a cliff or hill, you will notice this style naturally occurring. This style is very common in coastal regions where the wind comes off the water in one constant motion and produces a look similar to fukinagashi.

For most bonsai artists, mimicking these forceful winds is nearly impossible, but the artist can use similar forces to make their trees look fukinagashi. You can manipulate the trees’ growth to have them look the way you prefer.

Making the tree grow in a certain way is caused by stressing them in a particular direction. You can make physical stresses that will help the tree move in a particular way. You should not use chemical stresses that will cause unhealthy conditions on the plant. These stresses have been perfected after centuries of use.

A kengai or cascade can be formed by taking the trunk and tying it with a cord tied to a stake. The fukinagashi look can be accomplished in a similar way. Wire is used as an aid and can also be used with the branches to help gain the right shape.

The foliage on this tree will be sparse since the natural conditions would have blown away many of the leaves in order to better produce that bent effect.

Bankan (Twisted)
The bankan style is originally from China and has the origins of penjing, or the ancient Chinese art. The trunk of the tree will become gnarled and twisted. A talented bonsai artist can even form animal shapes with the trunk. One of the most popular animal shapes for the bankan tree is a dragon shape.

There are different sub-styles of the Bankan, including the Nejikan or the Takzukuri.

Bunjin (Literati)
The bunjin is one of the most popular versions of the bonsai trees. Inspired by Chinese paintings, the trunk of the tree is slanted and has few branches. The resulting look is a dramatic, but sparse appearance. The branches will be displayed at sharp angles upwards and if you look at the tree from any side, you’ll see a different version. You will typically see a Japanese Red Pine in this style.

         

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