In bonsai styling, Jin, Sharimiki, and Sabamiki are techniques that create unique and striking trees. Each technique varies in how it shapes a bonsai’s appearance. Jin mimics weathered wood, Sharimiki reveals roots, and Sabamiki forms hollow trunks. These styles not only show off skilled craftsmanship but also reflect the beauty of nature’s resilience.
Jin – The Beauty of Weathered Wood
Jin is a bit like sculpture in bonsai styling. Imagine an old tree in nature. Its branches get hit by wind, snow, and rain for years. Some branches die and the bark peels off. What’s left is smooth, pale wood. This is like the bones of the tree showing.
In bonsai, Jin is when you show these “bones” by stripping a branch or part of a trunk to look aged. It’s like the tree telling a story of survival.
Techniques used to create Jin
To make a Jin in Bonsai, you strip away the bark from a part of a branch or trunk. This reveals the wood, which you then treat to look old and weathered. You use tools, like pliers and jin pliers, to peel the bark. Sometimes, a small torch helps you dry the wood quickly.
After that, you use lime sulfur to bleach the wood, making it a whitish color. The whole idea is to mimic the natural aging process that happens to trees in the wild.
Sharimiki – The Art of Exposed Roots
Sharimiki is a bonsai style where you can see the tree’s roots above the ground. It looks like the tree has survived tough conditions.
The roots twist and spread over a rock or out of the soil. This makes the tree look old and full of character. It’s like seeing the tree’s struggle and strength. With Sharimiki, you get a bonsai that tells a story of survival.
Techniques for creating Sharimiki
To make Sharimiki, you carefully remove the tree’s outer bark to show its roots. You need patience and a soft hand. Use tools like a bonsai knife or chisel to strip the bark. Do it slowly to avoid hurting the tree. You can also use wire to shape the roots.
Over time, the exposed roots will get tough, looking like they’ve battled the elements. This method creates a unique, ancient-looking tree.
Sabamiki – The Hollow Trunk Technique
Sabamiki is a style in bonsai that features a trunk with a hollow area. It makes the tree look old and struck by lightning or damaged by decay. This style adds drama and shows the tree’s history. Imagine an ancient tree in a forest with a large gap in its trunk. That’s what sabamiki looks like.
The hollow can be natural or carefully made by a bonsai artist. It stands for struggle and survival. With this style, your bonsai tells a story of resilience.
Techniques for creating Sabamiki
To make Sabamiki, you carve a hollow in the bonsai’s trunk. This shows its inner wood. You use special tools for carving. These tools include small knives and chisels.
First, you decide where to carve. You want it to look natural. Then, you gently remove the bark. You carve slowly to avoid harming the tree. You shape the hollow to mimic damage from nature. Carving must be done with care, so the tree stays healthy.
After carving, you protect the exposed wood. You use a preservative. This keeps the wood from rotting. Over time, the tree heals around the hollow. This adds to its interesting look.
Famous Examples of Jin, Sharimiki, and Sabamiki Bonsai
- Goshin: A forest planting of junipers, created by John Naka.
- The Ficus Bonsai at Italian Bonsai Dream: Known for its exceptional sharimiki style.
- The Yamaki Pine: Survived the atomic bomb at Hiroshima, featuring jin characteristics.
- The Sabamiki Bonsai at Omiya Bonsai Art Museum: Showcases deep trunk hollowing.
- Shunka-en’s Deadwood Bonsais: Created by Kunio Kobayashi, display beautiful jin and sabamiki techniques.
