Text and photos: Morten Albek
Shohin is the Japanese word for “a-tiny-thing.” And one can then ask them selves how to define the measures or visual weight of a tiny thing?
Yes, it is a case to be discussed, but none the less, there is set up some standard rules, in order to better understand the measures. And in order to be apple to make directions of rules when it comes to shows and competitions.
The basic rules are demanding that the Shohin-bonsai may not be higher than 25cm when measured from rim of the pot, to the top of the tree.
But, at the same time it has to be said, that these measures and rules, has to be taken with a bit of laciness.
The main "rule" is that you must be able to hold the tree Shohin-bonsai in one hand, and it has to express the beauty of a little thing.
Shohin size
The exact measure of the height of the tree is then less important, but it is difficult to achieve the feeling of a one hand bonsai that is higher than 25 cm / 10 inches.
A very slim and elegant tree will easily override the limit in height, and will though still be the expression of a tiny thing; a Shohin.
Mame size
At the same time, it seems like Shohin can’t be small enough. The expression of a small Mame that is less than 10cm / 4 inches in height can be a stunning sight, when it transforms the picture of a mature big tree in the viewers mind.
All together, a Shohin-bonsai in its expression has to be a tiny thing.
Shohin-bonsai is less than 25 cm in height.
Gafu-bonsai or Miyabi-bonsai are high quality bonsai, from less than 25cm in height to 13cm in height.
Mame Bonsai or bean-size bonsai is 10 centimetres in maximum height or lower, which includes Mini-size Bonsai.
Mini-bonsai is 7.0cm or less in height.
The sizes described here are guidelines, and in the case of exhibitions it is the judges that select the standards.
Wafu
A paradoxical matter in the understanding of Shohin is the fact, that a Shohin can override the rules of heights, as in the case of a very slim tree. In the case of a very valuable tree, with great artistic expression and age, it is possible to forget the 25 cm/ 10 inches limit of a trees height.
The so-called Wafu category, which covers the very appreciated and valuable small trees of Japan, is not concerning with the measures. The most important thing here is just to have the impression of a tiny tree. And that includes the possibility to be able to hold the tree in just one hand.
Details
A Shohin-bonsai can be made in the same styles and forms as bigger bonsais. Every thing is just scaled down, to be and made in a more simple and suggestive manner.
But it certainly demands a very high level of precision by the artist when arranging branches, forming dead wood etc.
Just a few misplaced branches or leaves, can affect the harmonious picture, and might spoil the impression and visualization of a big tree. In stead it will show a simple plant in a pot.
All together the up summing of experiences with the detailed work with Shohin-bonsais can be converted into refining the work at bigger bonsais. In this way the small trees learns the big ones to increase in quality.
Article brought to you with the permission of Morten Albek
