Don: Virtually every book on bonsai will have a number of
"rules". As you suspect, rules are part of the teaching/learning
process. And the whole is more than the sum of the parts.
As suggested by Bart, Dave DeGroot's book on bonsai
design articulates many of these "rules" in an easy to follow
manner. So does Naka's Bonsai Techniques I (& II). Yoshimura &
Halford's book is a classic which also does a great job guiding
you through the rules.
Like most things in life, we do best when we come to
strike a balance with rules. Anarchy is a disaster, but so is
strict fascist adherence.
Alan Walker
http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Walker

I've read much (including archives of this list) in which the
author
refers to the "rules" of bonsai. I've picked up a few here and
there
but have wondered if there were a source that was generally
accepted as
authoritative.

Does anyone know of a place where a semi-beginner might find
them?

I understand that the rule police will not come and get me if I
have my
primary branch on an inside curve or if my interesting nebari has
a root
pointing at the viewer. But I do think I should know them and
attempt
to understand their value before considering whether to disregard
them.

I have a vision, if I might be indulged, of a strict Japanese
bonsai
master instructing his students in the Rules. This sage would
continually reinforce his requirement that the Rules be followed.
Eventually, an advanced student asserts a position that a
particular
tree, perhaps a favorite of the master, _needs_ a rule violation
to be
truly great. Surprisingly, the master does not become angry but
asks
simply, "Why?" As the student finishes his passionate
explanation and
stands ready to defend his belief the master hands the student
the tree
and says that the tree is now his, he may "ruin" it as he wishes.
But a
small smile grows on his face as he walks away.

-Don

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