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Monument Krugersdorp
Gauteng
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| Bonsai, Formal upright or straight trunk style - Chokkan |
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Formal upright or straight trunk style – Chokkan. |
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When you think of a upright tree, you will think immediately of a pine tree, although this tree from the basis of the formal upright style, a few deciduous trees, such as the baobab with its impressive thick trunk and traditional broom, could also be classified under this style. These two styles, despite their formal trunks, however are not examples of the classic Chokkan style.
As the style dictates, the trunk must be perfectly straight, although very little movement is allowed in the trunk line.
It is necessary for beginners to learn the basic structure and shape of the formal upright style before moving on to other styles. Once the beginner has mastered the basic of the formal upright, the beginner can apply the same basic principles to most other styles.
Root Base
Surface roots should spread out evenly round the trunk, as the roots should not grow straight towards the front. The roots should spread out evenly round the trunk to create an impression of stability. Avoid an octopus-like root system as it will mar the beauty of the tree. To correct this problem, flatten out the roots if at all possible, and pin them down with wires. |
The straight trunk is the dominant feature of the style, and should create a feeling of strength and stability. None or very little movement is allowed in the trunk line. Movement is created by the placement of branches.
The trunk tapers from the base to the apex, and the apex may lean slightly to the front.
The height of the tree is approximately six to eight times the diameter of the trunk.
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 A heavy trunk gives a feeling of strength and dominance.
Branch placement.
Viewed from above, the branches should give the impression of being grouped in layers of three. Branches should not be placed directly above one another to allow for much sunlight as possible.
The number one branch usually fills the biggest portion of the container. The number one and number three branches, as shown in the sketch, must be trained to grow diagonally in the container, otherwise the composition will look flat and unattractive. The three main branches point towards the corners of the pot. |
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- Place the number one branch to the left or to the right, as it is the longest and most prominent branch.
- Place the number one branch at a point one-third to the one-half of the height of the tree. The height can, however, vary according to personal taste or the number of branches available.
- Place the number three branch opposite the number one branch. This branch is the second most important branch in the composition.
- The back branch (number two) should preferably not be the first (number one) branch.
- Keep the front and the back branches short.
- Train the branches in the front of a spiral staircase round the trunk.
- All the branches are of different lengths and are getting shorter towards the apex.
- Allow the branches to grow denser towards the apex.
- Do not place branches directly opposite one another.
- All branches must have the same movement in order to complement the style.
- Branches are usually wider near the base and taper towards the apex.
Variations on the upright style.
Young formal upright tree.
Note that the main branches grow horizontally but the branches above them grow progressively more upwards as they approach the apex.
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Old formal upright tree.
The branches are forced downwards owing to the weight of snow or the length of the branches.
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Thin trunk tree.
Keep the branches short to emphasise the thin trunk.
Because of the elegant appearance of the thin trunk, the tree could therefore also be trained into the literati or free style.
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Double trunk formal upright.
The double trunk or Sokan share the same root base and two trunks from a harmonious unit. Formal upright trees are normally planted in rectangular containers as they complement the formal style.
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Many more different formal upright styles to see more you will need the book, Bonsai Styles of the world by Charles S Ceronio.
Containers.
Oval and rectangular containers complement most of the formal styles. Tall, thin trunks look elegant in shallow containers. Thick trunks need deep containers to heighten the effect of stability.
The length of the container is normally equal to two-thirds the height of the tree, while the depth of the container is approximately equal to the diameter of the trunk. |
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Formal upright or straight trunk style - Chokkan |
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