Wiring for literati
 

Hi ... I have a question about wiring for the literati
style. A local bonsai specialist who supplies a couple
of Baltimore nurseries (Martha Meehan) has exquisite
literati designs for her bonsai.

But I cannot figure out how she is able to create deep
curves to the woody trunks and stems. Is it because she
starts early when the trunks/stems are still green and
pliable? Or is it incremental bending of the woody
trunk/stem over time?

I hope some of you bonsai experts on the list can shed
some light on these wiring techniques.

thanks,
shireen


--
Shireen Gonzaga, Data Analyst, Space Telescope Science Inst. O-
3700 San Martin Dr., Baltimore, MD 21212, USA. _/ )
Office tel.#: 410-338-4412, e-mail: /|

Wiring for literati
 

On 2 Jul 2003 15:07:18 -0400, (Shireen
Gonzaga) wrote:

But I cannot figure out how she is able to create deep
curves to the woody trunks and stems. Is it because she
starts early when the trunks/stems are still green and
pliable? Or is it incremental bending of the woody
trunk/stem over time?

To anwer your questions: It depends.

I cannot speak for trees or growers I do not know, but like any bonsai
you want to shape, bend it if it let's you.

If you grow it from seed or sapling, shape as you go.

If you collect it, bend it if it doesn't break.

If the trunk is too hard to bend, you're out of luck.

Some literati lines exist before you even begin. Those are the
easiest. Find a nice piece of material who's first brank is just to
damned high and who's trunk has some character, and you start form
there.

By the way, the easiest way to answer your questions fully would be
for you to ask the grower. I haven't met a grower yet who won't shut
up when you ask them about how they got their tree to look so
wonderful.

Bill Butler

New Orleans, Louisiana
USDA Zone 9a (but I'd argue b)