rulebreaking 101 – red mulberry
Sneak Peak
Rules are made to be broken, right? Yes and no. When you break a rule of art, what you end up with had better be a lot better than if you’d stuck with the rule. In bonsai it’s not any different ….



Rulebreaking 101 – Red Mulberry
I recently acquired this Red mulberry, Morus rubra, from another collector. It’s one of those trees that just calls out to you. The structure doesn’t really fit a familiar mold – and yet, you can’t take your eyes off of it. It’s quite a tree, and certainly ready for a bonsai pot.


What about this view? Isn’t it amazing! It’s hard to describe the style, though if pressed I guess the fallback would be informal upright. But that’s certainly not accurate, and doesn’t do the tree justice.
But this is where the problem comes in. The apex of this tree does not move toward the viewer; quite the contrary. When we’re learning all about bonsai, one of the rules is that the apex of your tree must always move slightly toward the viewer. It’s a metaphor that represents the tree “bowing.” So if you’re attending a workshop or demo, one of the things the artist will tell you is to be sure the apex of your tree comes slightly toward the viewer. And they’re absolutely right!
So in this view of the tree, after I potted it up, the rule is being adhered to. I’ve got the apex of the tree moving toward the viewer. Rules are followed! And it’s not a bad bonsai, right?


And yet …
In this view, the apex of the tree is moving away from the viewer. Is this a better bonsai? In my opinion, there’s no question this is the best front for this specimen. The deadwood feature is visible. The curve of the trunk and taper are spot-on. That terrific branch with all its development balances the composition. What’s not to like?
I’m convinced that this is one of those trees where you have to forget bonsai tradition in order to make the best bonsai out of what you’re working with. I could have force-fit the tree into something that followed the rules – but why end up with something less in the process?
I’d love to hear what you think about this specimen. It’s already one of my favorites.
Flippin’ gorgeous tree, for sure. The more bonsai artists whose work I gorge on here on the internet, the more I appreciate the trees which have been developed into their own character, rather than forced into a traditional style. Of course, I can also appreciate the skill and dedication it takes to grow a tree from a bare stump into exactly what you’ve sketched out according to the rules and traditions, but still . . . the reason old trees have always been so compelling to me is that they each seem to be saying something unique. This tree kind of exemplifies that quality, imho. Great work!
Thank you, Misty!
Have you priced this tree or are you going to keep it??
I sold the tree last year, Phil. Sorry.
Can’t think of anything to add except to agree with your conclusion. AND to support/agree with the earllier comments. VERY nice tree
Thank you, Phillip. That’s one of the really special ones I’ve had the privilege of working on.
Isn’t it the case, though, in bonsai as in life, that “rules” or “principles of living” can conflict with one another. For example here there is also the “rule” that bonsai look better with a nice visible trunk (and of course the deadwood), so you simply decided to overrule one principle with another. To be sure, it would be better if all principles could be followed, but life, and in particular biology, don’t seem to be that neat.
Great observation. Bonsai is often about minimizing the flaws in our trees or arriving at the best compromise of design given what we have to work with. How often do we see trees that are technically “perfect” but just don’t wow us?
This issue is best solved by planting in a round pot like you have…
Definitely a round pot for this one, and a somewhat deep one.
Like this one, looks great!
Thank you, John.
Rules are made to be broken.
Most definitely, Ray.
Nice job. The “wrong” front is definitely the right one.
Thank you, Carol, I appreciate the positive feedback!