Bonsai Styles: Forest – Yose-ue
In Forest style we have a planting of many trees, typically an odd number unless there are too many to count easily, in a bonsai pot. The pot has very low sides, to emphasize the height of the trees, and may be replaced by a flat slab of rock. The trees are usually the same species, with a variety of heights employed to add visual interest and to reflect the age differences encountered in mature forests. The goal is to portray a view into a forest, and perspective effects, such as placing the smallest trees toward the rear, are important in developing a specimen in this style. You want to place the more visually appealing trees in the front to draw the viewer in and make the most attractive presentation possible.
Advantages of Yose-ue
Is that they seem to be the most inviting to viewers. We are creating an image that we all have seen growing up in nature. Forest plantings are our direct interpretation of how we view nature. This is a great advantage because we can allow our mind to freely create images that link us to our past. The ability draw in the viewer with multiple trees is also a great advantage, sometimes out of all the trees someone will be drawn to just one. But allow your mind run wild, potting choices can be very interesting also, don’t conform to what a lot of forest plantings are. Use slabs, pots, trays, rocks, and even boards.
Disadvantage of Yose-ue
Are making the trees play off of each other. You don’t want trees to be competing, you want there to be a harmony throughout the composition. Trees want to get along in a forest; they are beneficial to each other’s survival. So it is difficult, but be sure to pick a main focus tree, usually the one with e largest trunk and form your image from there. Be sure to leave negative space between branches, almost imagine creating a formal upright tree, with lots of them.
All tree species are applicable to this style.
- Juniper (Juniperus sp.)
- Quince (Cydonia sp.)
- Spruce (Picea sp.)
- Ficus (Ficus sp.)
- Olive (Olea sp.)
- Conifers
- Jasmine (Jasminum sp.)
- Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata)
- Brush Cherry (Syzygium paniculatum)
- Beech (Fagus sp.)
- Crab Apple (Malus sp.)
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Stefan Rausch was born and raised in Colorado, growing up hiking, hunting and fishing dominated most of his time ingraining his love for the Rocky Mountains. He started working with all types of plant material at an early age working his way up to a full time position in horticulture at one of Colorado’s most premier country clubs. His brother saw this interest and soon invited him to a local bonsai show, this is where for the first time he saw the possibilities and artistic expression of bonsai and what could be done with local Rocky Mountain material. He is truly passionate about the progression and future of Bonsai as an art form, especially here in the United States. Stefan has been lucky enough to learn first hand from some of the best Yamadori collectors and Bonsai Artists such as Larry Jackel and Harold Sasaki.