Rating Bonsai: Example 1.

In order to create an objective system for rating bonsai, a few concrete points for appraisel are discussed in our page on rating bonsai. This is the first example to show how the rating system would be used.

Pinus Sylvestris by Jelle Ferwerda

Design & Styling (1-10): Not Applicable.

This tree does not fit the standard bonsai style. It portrays an image of a tall slender tree, split in two by lightning.

Taper (1-10): 7.
Although no strong taper is present in this tree, this is typical of pines in nature; These are often tall and slender. No strong jumps in girth are visible and the tree gradually reduces trunk thickness until it eventually dissolves in branching.

Nebari (1-10): 1.
No Nebari is shown in this image.

Branching (1-10): 4.
This tree seems to be very young. Although some secondary branching is present, it is far from well-developed. Most branches show some taper, although the finest branches have not been developed yet. A lot of work on the branching needs to be done.

Pot (1-10): Not Applicable
This plant has not been moved from the training pot yet.

Wiring (1-10): 9
All in all the wiring seems to be nicely done. Different gauge wire has been used for different strength of branches. Big bends are protected using raffia. Most wires are at perfect 45 degree angles.

Layout (1-10): 6.
The tree seems to have two crowns as if the owner could not decide which route to take. This distracts from the overall image of the tree. Both crowns are built using multiple branches.

Balance (1-10): 8.
This tree seems well-balanced.

Character (1-10): 2.
This clearly is a young tree at the start of refining.

Average score: 5,4.