LITERATI

By David Terry

Literati is not so much a style as a philosophy. Originally all Literati were single trees. Today however we may also have multiple tree Literati.
Literati may be seen in all the traditional styles from Formal Upright to Semi and Full Cascade.
Literati are sparse in foliage and have few branches. The branches they do have are usually found in only the top third of the tree.
Unlike most Bonsai, Literati are allowed to have branches that cross as long as the branch adds to the character and strength of the tree.
Many people like literati as they seem to have no rules and the practitioner can do whatever they like. This lack of rules actually makes the design of a good Literati all the more difficult as it removes many of the guidelines that help in good design and a successful plant.
There are some important ideas to keep in mind when designing a Literati.
The trunk is the main feature of the tree. Foliage should be sparse and branches should not interfere with the viewing of the trunk. The trunk should exhibit old bark. The trunk is long and slender. The trunk should taper as you go up but not to the extent that it would in a normal Bonsai.
The pot for a Literati should be simple. It may be round, oval, square, hexagonal or drum but the shape must not detract from the tree. We must have a pot that does not confuse the eye but lets it follow from the base of the tree and on up the trunk.
The trunk of a Literati should have changes in direction as one goes up the trunk. These changes should be three dimensional adding depth to the tree. Drastic changes in direction of the trunk may mean that it crosses itself and so adds more depth.
The trunk may contain gins, sharis and the like, and the use of driftwood is a distinct possibility.
The "bowed head" style of Literati used the trunk for an apex with the "top" of the tree lower than this apex.