Bonsai is more than a miniature tree in a pot—it’s a living art form inspired by nature and shaped by human hands. Each bonsai style reflects the tree’s growth in its natural environment, often molded by wind, gravity, or competition for light. Understanding bonsai styles is essential whether you’re starting your first tree or refining your skills. Below, you’ll find the main bonsai styles used around the world, along with descriptions to help you identify or create each one.
Formal Upright Style (Chokkan)
The formal upright style is one of the most classic and symmetrical bonsai forms. In this style, the trunk grows perfectly straight and vertical from the base to the tip. The trunk tapers gradually from thick at the base to thin at the top, mimicking a tree that has grown undisturbed in open space. Branches emerge horizontally, evenly spaced along the trunk, with the lowest branches being the longest. This style works best with species that naturally grow upright, such as Japanese black pine and Chinese elm.
Informal Upright Style (Moyogi)
Unlike the strict symmetry of the formal upright, the informal upright style features a trunk that curves slightly as it rises. These gentle curves give the tree a more natural appearance, resembling trees that have faced mild winds or uneven light. The trunk still tapers toward the top, and branches alternate naturally along the outer curves. This style is one of the most popular because it allows flexibility and works well with a variety of species like maple, juniper, and ficus.
Slanting Style (Shakan)
The slanting style depicts a tree that has grown at an angle, possibly influenced by strong winds or the weight of snow. In this form, the trunk leans to one side, with the first branch typically growing opposite the lean to provide balance. The roots on the opposite side of the lean are often more developed to support the tilted trunk. This style creates dynamic movement and is often used with trees that naturally tilt, like pine or cedar.
Cascade Style (Kengai)
The cascade style mimics trees growing on cliffs or steep slopes where branches or the trunk itself hangs downward. In this dramatic style, the trunk starts upright but soon bends sharply, descending below the base of the container. A deep pot is usually used to accommodate the drooping form. The apex ends below the pot’s base, while a few branches grow upward to maintain balance. Junipers and pines are popular choices for this style due to their flexible branches.
Semi-Cascade Style (Han-Kengai)
The semi-cascade style also reflects the life of trees clinging to cliffs, but it is less extreme than the full cascade. The trunk bends over the rim of the pot and drops below the rim, though not below the base of the pot. This style allows for dramatic curvature without requiring an overly deep container. Semi-cascade bonsai often look best on a tall stand to showcase the downward movement. This form is commonly used with flowering or fruiting trees like cotoneaster or cherry.
Broom Style (Hokidachi)
The broom style resembles the shape of a broom or umbrella. In this style, the trunk grows upright and straight, then branches out evenly in all directions near the top to form a round canopy. This form is especially suitable for deciduous trees with fine branching patterns, like zelkova or hornbeam. It’s best displayed without leaves in winter to show off the intricate structure.
Literati Style (Bunjingi)
The literati style is all about elegance and minimalism. This style features a tall, slender trunk with few branches, often contorted or twisted, and a small foliage crown near the top. Inspired by Chinese ink paintings, literati bonsai suggest trees that have struggled to survive in harsh environments. These trees are usually planted in small, shallow pots, emphasizing the trunk’s movement. This style often suits species like juniper and pine.
Root Over Rock Style (Sekijoju)
In the root over rock style, the tree’s roots are trained to grow over and cling to a rock before anchoring in the soil. This mimics the look of a tree growing in rocky terrain, where the roots have had to reach down to find nutrients. Over time, the roots thicken and appear to grip the rock naturally. This dramatic form often works well with fig species, which readily adapt their roots to different surfaces.
Clasped to Rock Style (Ishitsuki)
The clasped to rock style takes the root over rock idea further. In this style, the roots wrap tightly around the rock, sometimes completely enclosing it. The tree may appear to be growing directly from the rock itself, with little visible soil. This style evokes survival and strength, making it ideal for rugged-looking species like pine or juniper. It often pairs well with upright or slanting trunk movement to increase visual tension.
Twin Trunk Style (Sokan)
The twin trunk style features two trunks that grow from the same root system. One trunk is clearly dominant in height and thickness, while the second is thinner and shorter. The two trunks should complement each other and create a harmonious scene. This style symbolizes family or companionship, making it a meaningful choice for bonsai artists. Trees like maple or elm adapt well to this form.
Clump Style (Kabudachi)
In the clump style, three or more trunks grow close together from the same root base, forming a small grove or thicket. The trunks vary in height and girth, creating depth and natural appearance. The clump style is excellent for trees that sprout multiple stems, like trident maple or Chinese elm. Unlike group planting, all trunks share the same root mass, making this style feel unified and organic.
Group Planting Style (Yose-ue)
Group planting, or forest style, uses multiple individual trees planted together in one container to mimic a forest scene. Typically, odd numbers of trees are used, and spacing is carefully planned to simulate natural growth. Taller trees are placed in the center or rear, while smaller trees fill in the front. Species with upright growth habits like beech or larch are ideal for this style. It is a powerful style that captures the peaceful essence of nature.
Straight Line Style (Ikadabuki)
The straight line style, also known as raft style, simulates a fallen tree that has continued to grow. The trunk lies horizontally along the soil surface, with branches pointing upward like new trees. Over time, each upward branch thickens and begins to resemble an individual trunk, but they all share a single root system. This style works well with species like juniper and elm, which can sprout new growth easily from older wood.
Sinuous Style (Nejikan)
The sinuous or twisted trunk style highlights dramatic movement. In this form, the trunk winds back and forth in exaggerated curves, often looking like it has been shaped by years of intense wind. The twists can be natural or artistically created over time through wiring. This style can be used with many bonsai species, though it is especially striking in conifers like juniper or pine, which can maintain the shape without losing vigor.
Sake Style (Sharimiki)
The sake style, also known as driftwood style, features a trunk that includes large sections of deadwood. These exposed, bleached parts represent age, weather damage, and survival. The live bark usually winds around or clings to one side of the deadwood. Creating this style requires skill and patience, as the deadwood must be treated and preserved properly. It is often seen in juniper and pine, which tolerate partial bark removal without harm.
Copying Nature: The Heart of Bonsai
At the core of every bonsai style is the goal of copying nature. Whether it’s a windswept pine on a cliff, a grove of maples in a forest, or a solitary oak standing tall, each style draws directly from the way trees grow in the wild. These forms are not rigid rules but guides to help you bring natural scenes into your bonsai practice. As your skills grow, you can blend elements of multiple styles to create trees that are uniquely yours.
Conclusion
Bonsai styles offer a deep connection to nature and a framework for artistic expression. From the symmetrical beauty of the formal upright to the wild curves of the literati style, each form tells a story. By learning and practicing these traditional styles, you not only gain technical skill but also develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Start by choosing the style that best suits your tree’s natural growth, and let your creativity and observation guide your design. With time, patience, and care, your bonsai will reflect both tradition and your personal vision.
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