The movement of the trunk is the guiding line of the bonsai. It may be straight, curved, leaning or dramatic. What matters is fluidity and a natural feeling — never forced.

The nebari is the flared base of the trunk where it meets the soil. It gives stability and a sense of age. A good nebari enhances the tree’s presence and visual roots.

Negative space is the empty space around and between branches. This “emptiness” is not a void — it is a central concept of Japanese aesthetics.

It allows:

• the tree to “breathe” visually
• the trunk movement to stand out
• a rhythmic composition
• a guided flow for the eye
• depth and perspective

Many traditional bonsai rely on a triangular structure: trunk – main branch – secondary branch. This creates visual balance and stability.

The front is selected to highlight:

• the trunk movement
• the nebari
• depth
• branch structure and openness