Twin trunk Lodgepole bunjin, First styling today.

I collected this tree at Mammoth Mountain, California. Before and after first styling today.

Pretty sweet!

Nice looking tree.

Probably one of the most beautiful bunjin images I have seen on this site. If one is familiar with the cooperation it takes between nature and man to create such an image, then one realizes the respect that a tree like this deserves.

Rob

Paul,

I really like what you've done here. Literati is really difficult to do well, and you've got a great start going.

There are a couple of minor issues that bother me, if you don't mind discussing them. Please note, I'm only discussing what I can see in the photo. In person, the tree may look entirely different.

Most of my concerns are with the smaller tree. And, I realize it's just the first styling. But, there is a "crowded" area at the apex of the smaller tree. To my eye, the apex of the smaller tree appears to be fighting with branches of the taller tree for control of the space. Again, please realize that's what I see in the 2 dimensions of the photo. Literati trees are supposed to depict trees in the last stages of their life. Old, experienced trees, having survived decades if not centuries of battles with wind, snow, storms, etc. The control of the space where the second tree's apex is would have been decided decades ago. There should be no "fight" anymore.

And also with the small tree, I see some "rainbow shaped" branches. One really thin one stands out in particular. Maybe it's just a piece of wire, or a crack in the wall behind the tree. Whatever, those little details caught my eye, and they shouldn't. Which is why I'm bringing it to your attention.

But the overall image is wonderful, over the years as the trees get settled in it will evoke the timeless feeling of literati. Very well done, very well indeed.

I see what Adair is saying about the foilage mass there.

If you consider moving it, maybe expose a bit more of the tall trunk too.

Nice work. Nice Native!

Sorce

Thanks Adair, I agree. Its not quite so bad in three dimensions as the small tree's apex is actually in front of the larger tree but that doesn't show in the photo. The wiring is admittedly rough. I mainly wanted to put some movement into the branches anticipating back budding to come, which it will on a lodgepole. I'm not really happy with the apex direction on the smaller tree and will probably plan on directing it to the left to echo the direction of the larger apex. I think i should move the two apexes farther apart also.
Thanks for your comments.

Oh, yeah, I had noticed that the apex of the smaller tree appears to be going right, and the apex of the large tree appears to be going left. I think they should both be going the same direction. They're subject to the same environmental influences at this point in the tree's life.

You'll work all this out!

Twin trunk is hard enough, all on it's own. Then, factor in the literati, and on top of that, it's yamadori... Well, you did far better with it than I ever could have!

Once you've had a chance to refine this over the next couple years, it will really be special!

It's not everyday you see a bunjin twin trunk. I love it. I'm not really digging the pot color. Just a matter of opinion, but I would lean towards something darker, browner, earthier. The current pot color seems to blend in with the lodgepole's trunk. Are those teabags(for holding fertilizer) on the soil surface?

Paul...have you considered rotating the tree so the "Y" at the base is not so strong? Either put the large tree in front with small tree behind or the small tree in front with the larger tree behind? Creating some depth may help the image. It is hard to tell because photos just flatten everything out. Nice to see the Sierra Lodgepole pine - not often used but a nice species. Shorter needles - but they do have a funny twist to the needles - have you noticed? Your's looks like it has bark out to the smaller branches...a sure sign of age on this tree. .....Regards Tom

Thanks for the comments, everyone.
Quintin, I agree about the pot. Eventually it will go into something smaller and more appropriate to a bunjin. Yes those are fertilizer teabags.
I see your point, Tom but I chose this front based on the trunk movement and the large shari at the base though its hard to see in this photo. It does have twisted needles. I believe that's where the name Pinus contorta comes from. These trees are pretty common in Northern California bonsai circles.