French Bonsai Amateur
Chokkan – Formal Upright
A perfectly straight and vertical trunk with regular taper. This style represents a tree that has grown in open conditions with no major environmental constraints.
Major Bonsai Styles
Each bonsai style reflects a natural form observed in nature. These traditional Japanese styles illustrate how trees adapt to light, wind, gravity and their environment.
Upright Styles
Moyogi – Informal Upright
A gently curved trunk whose apex always returns above the base. Very natural and widely used for both conifers and deciduous trees.
Slanting and Windswept Styles
Shakan – Slanting
The trunk grows at an angle, as if the tree developed on a slope or under persistent environmental pressure.
Fukinagashi – Windswept
The entire tree bends in the same direction, shaped by constant wind. A very expressive style conveying strength and resilience.
Cascade Styles
Kengai – Cascade
The trunk descends well below the rim of the pot, imitating trees growing from cliffs or steep mountainsides.
Han-kengai – Semi-cascade
The trunk falls below the pot rim but does not go past the pot’s base, creating a balanced intermediate cascade form.
Special Styles
Bunjin-gi – Literati
A minimalist and poetic style characterized by a slender trunk and very few branches, inspired by traditional ink paintings.
Yose-ue – Forest
Several trees planted together to recreate a natural forest scene, emphasizing depth, rhythm and harmony.