Literati Bonsai style (Bunjingi)

In nature this bonsai style of tree is located in locations densely populated by a lot of other trees and competitors is so fierce that the tree can only survive by developing taller then all other people about it. The trunk grows crookedly upward and is fully without having branching due to the fact the sun only hits the best in the tree. To make certain that it appears even tougher, some branches are “Jinned” (with out bark). When the bark has been removed from a single side on the trunk, the trunk is known as a “Shari”. The concept is always to demonstrate that the tree has to struggle to survive. These trees are typically placed in modest, round pots.

Beneath will be the history background and criteria of literati bonsai :

The literati style is named bunjin in Japanese or wen-ren in Chinese. The literati style was 1st described in one of many penjing texts from China. It's an aesthetic that was influenced by the political and academic situations inside the Tang Dynasty period, when penjing was as soon as broadly practiced by the elites.

The Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was a glorious and prosperous period for the arts, which includes painting, calligraphy, as well as the well-known Tang-xe (Tang poetry). Throughout this time, talented scholars had been regarded as to become the social equals of these in government. For that reason, numerous scholars, intellectuals and literati secured profession positions inside the government by way of a recruitment method exactly where one’s expertise and understanding of literature, history, philosophy along with the arts have been critical criteria in social rank and profession placement.

Penjing became quite well-known in the course of that time, because it had powerful ties to Chinese painting, poetry and calligraphy. Also throughout this time the literati style, known as Xu hua xe, became common, modeled following the character and philosophy of Chinese calligraphy.

In a single of his penjing texts, Chinese penjing master, Shao Hai Zhong, defined the following principals in the literati style:

“Zhong xin bing yun”
An asymmetrical balance in composition must be utilized to receive a steady and firm foundation. There ought to be a firm anchor point of balance inside the dynamic movement.
“Dou zhong qiu zhen”
The principal of optical balance. The energetic and dramatic physical flow of this style must present a harmonious balance in optical sense.
“Shang mi xia xu”
Literati resembles the style of Chinese calligraphy. The prime is structured as well as the bare trunk descends, celebrating the elegance of simplicity and slenderness. Such simplicity and slenderness character in literati is often misunderstood as poor, weak, suffering and helpless.
“Xu mi de yu”
The physical composition need to demonstrate a suitable balance of visual weight and voids. The heavy regions must be counter balanced by empty spaces - evoking the abstract beauty of Chinese calligraphy.
“Qan qa bian hua”
The lines needs to be dynamic and rhythmic, but neither chaotic nor monotonous. Literati may be the only style in bonsai that calls for mixture of diverse lines’ character. Generally in other bonsai style, we need to constantly maintain the consistence of line beginning in the base for the apex in all physical attributes; but in literati, the far more we are able to play with diverse lines, the greater outcome we'll receive.
“Qi jou zhe gang”
The structure need to employ a balance of bold beginnings and delicate conclusions. Even the delicate lines need to include a vigorous power, a lot just like the practice of Tai-chi. This identical principal is vital in Chinese calligraphy.

So in literati bonsai, a mixture of two or a lot more contrasting lines is essential; the delicate flow with all the vigorous stroke or radical curves in subtle harmony. The energy of a powerful thrust is countered by the delicate release; displaying tension against compression as if describing the organic equilibrium in the universe - Yin and Yang. Literati is actually a extremely contemplative style in bonsai, reflecting the spirit of nature, a lyrical beauty, however a testament to intellectual talent.

About Bonsai

Literati Bonsai style (Bunjingi)

Beneath will be the history background and criteria of literati bonsai :

List of Bonsai Style