Standard rules when displaying Shohin-bonsai at exhibition

Text, and photos by Morten Albek in consultation with Higuchi Takeshi, All Japan Shohin-Bonsai Association

This article serves the purpose of helping local clubs and international associations to better prepare and judge Shohin and Mame-bonsai at exhibitions.

Displaying a number of trees together

In contrast to normal bonsai, Shohin are always displayed with more trees set up together. A lowest number of Shohin-bonsai are two, and the highest numbers are limited by the available space depending on the size of the trees and the aesthetic considerations.

The ideal combination of trees

A Shohin-bonsai display has its focus on the beauty of the season. Therefore trees that clearly show the seasonal approach are important. Trees with flowers in spring, fruits in the fall or winter e.g.

Furthermore a strong tree, like conifers, is preferred but the display is as valid without. Especially the Japanese tradition makes use of conifers as main tree, but other choices can be made.

Accents can replace a bonsai at the rack, and also support the binary tree

(see the article regarding setting up the display)

Sizes

The trees chosen for a display must be of the same size and volume app. to make a harmonically display.

Pots and species

No pots must be the exact same colour or shape, and also the trees must differ in specie so no specimen is set up twice in the display.

Space

To enhance the beauty of the display open space is important, as well as harmony and peace.

Judging

When judging Shohin-bonsai it is not about picking out one of the trees and choose this as the best one. The whole display and its beauty is judged. The main tree and supporting tree are the most important in the display and must be of good quality. Next to judge is the details and quality of all the other trees.

If the judge(s) find two displays equally good, the display with most trees wins.

Display area

A standard display area is allotted by the exhibition organizer in which the artist arrange his or hers display. A display area can bear smaller trees than larger. It is the artist choice how the display area is used.

The standard exhibition area as it is allotted by the Gafu-ten (Japans finest Shohin exhibition) for Shohin and Mame-bonsai.

Shohin- and mame-bonsai display area: 180 cm x 90 cm.

(If the Mame-bonsai display is not able to fill the space it is set up in the middle of the area).

Mame-bonsai exhibition area as used by the Japanese Mame-Bonsai Association.

Mame-bonsai display is given 100 -120 cm in width.

It is the organizer who decides the area available for the exhibitors at each exhibition, and variations is therefore seen.