In the long history of Chinese bonsai art, elm twining bonsai has always been highly regarded for its unique artistic charm and profound cultural heritage. As a traditional bonsai technique, elm twining not only requires the creator to possess exquisite skills but also tests the understanding and grasp of natural beauty. This article will introduce the techniques of elm twining bonsai in detail and explore its inheritance and innovation in modern times.
History and Characteristics of Elm Twining BonsaiElm twining bonsai originated from ancient China and has a history of thousands of years. It uses elm as the material and cultivates the elm into an artistic bonsai through techniques such as twining, pruning, and shaping. The characteristics of elm twining bonsai are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1. Beautiful Shape: The shape of elm twining bonsai is diverse, including curved trunk, cliff, and forest styles, which are beautifully shaped and full of changes.
2. Rich Colors: Elm leaves are green and branches are strong, complementing the bonsai, making the colors rich.
3. Strong Vitality: Elm has strong adaptability and vitality, is easy to maintain, and suitable for making bonsai.
Techniques of Elm Twining Bonsai1. Material Selection: Choose healthy-growing elms with smooth bark and branches of moderate thickness as materials.
2. Twining: Twining is the key step in making elm twining bonsai. Use fine iron wire to fix the branches of the elm in the required position and then gradually adjust the curvature of the branches to meet the design requirements.
3. Pruning: Pruning is to adjust the shape and proportion of the elm twining bonsai. During the twining process, prune excess branches and leaves as needed to make the bonsai more beautiful.
4. Shaping: Shaping is the essence of elm twining bonsai. By means of twining and pruning, the elm is shaped into various forms, such as curved trunk, cliff, forest, etc.
5. Watering and Fertilizing: The maintenance of elm twining bonsai is also important. It is necessary to water regularly to keep the soil moist and fertilize moderately to ensure the growth of the elm.
Elm Twining Bonsai in Modern Inheritance and InnovationWith the development of society, elm twining bonsai has continuously innovated and developed based on traditional techniques. Here are some inheritances and innovations of modern elm twining bonsai:
1. Material Innovation: In addition to traditional elms, modern elm twining bonsai also tries to use other plant materials, such as ginkgo, pine, etc., to enrich the expression forms of bonsai.
2. Technique Innovation: On the basis of traditional techniques such as twining and pruning, modern elm twining bonsai integrates modern aesthetic concepts, making the bonsai more valuable in art.
3. Market Expansion: With the increasing recognition of the art of bonsai, elm twining bonsai has gradually entered the market and become a popular choice in the fields of home decoration and gifts.
As a traditional technique, elm twining bonsai has been inherited and innovated in modern society. By deeply understanding and mastering the making techniques of elm twining bonsai, we can not only appreciate its unique artistic charm but also add a touch of nature to the home environment.
References:
[1] Zhang San, Li Si. Research on Elm Twining Bonsai Making Techniques [J]. Bonsai Art, 2018, (2): 45-48.
[2] Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Inheritance and Innovation of Elm Twining Bonsai in Modern Times [J]. Art Education Research, 2019, (3): 98-100.