China Trade Bonsai Society of Southeastern Connecticut

Meetings: 1^st Wednesday of each month 6-8pm at the Connecticut College Arboretum
New London Hall, New London, CT.
Visitors Welcome!

A Tree to Drink Tea With by R.E. Sant

“O cha nomeru ki,” he answered when asked why he chose this tree for tonight’s demonstration.  Six syllables reflecting the very essence of why many of us do bonsai, spoken in a tongue few of us understand.

Bonsai Master Kenji Miyata has spent the majority of his life perfecting his skill.  His credentials are impressive.  Certified by the Nippon Bonsai Koykai, he is also the first student of Mr. Mitsuya of Tokai-en, who in turn was the first student of Mr. Suzuki of Daiju-en.  October 6, 2004, he visited the China Trade Bonsai Society and performed and impressive demonstration on a collected Lodgepole Pine.

The tree originally came from the Pacific Northwest, probably Oregon, but its species is found throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Northern California and parts of Montana.  It is known by the names of Lodgepole Pine, Shore Pine, and Contorted Pine, and can be found at altitudes from sea level to around 5000 feet.  It is a two-needle pine (1 ½ to 3 inch needles) with a growing habit that varies from scrub to straight, tall and narrow.  

This tree in particular is fairly old.  Time is a quality that must be obtained rather than created.  It is also Yamadori or “Mountain Collected”.  Hitoshi (owner of New England Bonsai Gardens who also graciously acted as translator for Kenji) acquired this tree during his annual trip out west this year.  He estimates its age to be at least 50 years.  The telltale drooping of the branches indicate collection from a fairly high altitude. 

When asked “Why” he chose this tree for his demonstration, Kenji answered with the opening quote.  Hitoshi translated this to mean, “You can drink a cup of tea with this tree.”   Teddi Scobi (Co-Owner and Manager of New England Bonsai Gardens) provided me with the following transliteration:  “O cha nomeru ki.  Cha is tea, (the O is an honorific meant to give respect to tea) - nomeru to drink and ki, in this case - tree.  It is basically a description of a good literati bonsai, which at its best is a presentation that is comfortable and not so formal - more social and relaxed. The phrase expresses the peaceful, light and relaxing character of the tree - perfect to enjoy a relaxing, casual cup of tea with.  One can imagine a slight wind in the mountains....  This is an expression that one would not use with a formal upright or more rigidly styled bonsai.” 

Kenji began his demonstration with a discussion about choosing the front.  He chooses his front by evaluating the tree as a whole, and selects it based on trunk movement and branch placement.   For a normal formal/informal upright, he generally looks at first branch, back branch, second branch placement.  Since he planned to do a more literati style on this pine, the rules are not as strict.  Prior to the demonstration, he chose the side facing the audience as this tree’s front.

Mr. Miyata then began removing “trouble” branches, or branches which would not contribute to the final design.  One of the first branches he removed was a large branch in the middle.  He explained: The branch was too strong, and eventually would effect the taper as well as sap strength from other branches.  

His vision for this tree was to create a “natural” looking tree with a good taper, good balance.  The original apex had been killed by the harsh winter of its native habitat, but one of the top branches was taking over as a new apex, so Kenji used this to enhance his vision.

Watching Mr. Miyata is a pleasure.  His hands are incredibly fast.  He plucks needles using tweezers with precision while speaking animatedly, explaining each step he performs.  He is adjusting the strength of the tree, leaving fewer needles on strong branches, more on weaker.   It is better to work on pines in the fall (October-December) he explains, preparing them for Spring.  However, he cautions, if the tree is weak, wait.  The health of the tree comes first.  

He wires, in this case, using anodized aluminum, but spoke also about copper, and the benefits of each.  In general terms, he uses larger wire for training, and smaller wire for showing.  This tree, he wired to enhance its natural beauty, more than long term shaping.  

All that remains now is to transplant the tree in a bonsai pot, but that will wait until spring.  He recommends a small, light round pot to enhance the trees natural lines.  When that is done, it will be time for a cup of tea.  

I would like to thank Master Kenji Miyata for making time in his busy schedule to visit the China Trade Bonsai Society, sharing his skill and philosophy.  I would also like to thank Hitoshi for interpreting Kenji as only one who truly knows him.  Thanks to Joe McGinnis for the extra photography, and special thanks to Teddi for helping with the quotes and translations, I am in your debt. - Rob