Shakan Style Bonsai - Mimicking Nature!

Shakan (Slanting) Style
In the Shakan style bonsai art, the trunk of the bonsai tree is slanted. The trunk of the tree is slanted to a moderately steep angle, and resembles the trunks of the Chokkan and Kengai style bonsai trees.

The slant of the Shakan style bonsai tree is usually between 30 and 75 degrees. The lowest branch of the Shakan style bonsai tree is trained to point away from the trunk.

In nature, trees will grow with the branches facing away from the direction of the trunk only when they are in an environment where the wind blows more in one direction than the other is.

In addition to wind, gravity will usually contribute to the growth of natural plants with a slanting shape. Gravity will slant a tree that has a trunk, which is weaker in one direction than another is.

The shape of the soil, as well as the location and amount of water the plant has access to will also contribute to the shape of the slant of the (full-grown) tree. These natural factors, no matter how complex, can all be emulated with the Shakan style of bonsai art by using different pruning techniques.

There are specific species of trees and shrubs that lend themselves to the Shakan style of bonsai growing. It is important to choose the right tree that will be able to grow properly in this slanted style. Coniferous trees like White Pines work especially well as Shakan style bonsai trees.

Most trees will exhibit natural slanting to some degree. The job of the bonsai artist is to create a more pronounced slant in the bonsai tree using training techniques like wiring. For the best results with Shakan style bonsai trees, it is best to grow the bonsai tree in a rectangular pot.

Generally, the trunk of a bonsai tree will be slanted, but straight. Longer branches should be distributed away from the slant of the trunk. Shorter branches should be distributed in the same direction of the slant of the trunk.

By using selective watering, the roots of a Shakan style bonsai tree can be trained to grow away from the slant for added balance.

To encourage the roots to grow away form the slant, you can water the bonsai tree away from the slant. This will help the roots to grow away form the slant and add balance to your slanting bonsai tree.

Like other styles of bonsai growing, the Shakan style of bonsai growing also has several sub-types. Two of the most common sub-types of Shakan bonsai growing are Dai-Shakan and Chu-Shakan. Each sub-type of the Shakan style of bonsai growing refers to the direction in which the branches are trained to grow toward the trunk.

In the Dai-Shakan style of Shakan, the branches are spread away from the trunk. In contrast, the Chu-Shakan sub-type, branches are trained to grow back toward the trunk of the bonsai tree.

Like other styles of bonsai growing, the Shakan style is designed to mimic the growth of trees in nature. With patience and the appropriate species of tree, a Shakan style bonsai tree can be created beautifully. Different species can be used to produce this style of bonsai tree, and it is up to the individual bonsai artist to create an individualized Shakan.

When creating a Shakan style bonsai tree, it is important to stick to an appropriate watering and pruning regimen. When your tree has been trained with wires, the wires should be removed once the shape is retained by the tree. You can also create your own variation of a Shakan style bonsai tree.


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