Also, in post #4, the second pic shows a cork bark oak displayed with the pot at a weird angle. Some trees in this show had a card describing more about the history or development of the tree. This had one explaining that the tree's angle would be changed significantly at the next repot. It was being displayed at the future planting angle. I like the extra back story about some of the trees, and this one definitely benefited from the explanation.
There was a similiar Shohin display (where they look like a sales table) at last year’s REBS, too. I personally don’t care for it. Sitting on the table surface, even with the little stands they were on, the viewer just sees the top canopy, and not the trunk. The Box Stand raises up the trees closer to eye level, so that they can be seen better. And then, there’s all the interplay of movement, color, variety, pots, little stands... all that is what makes “Shohin” interesting.
Now, maybe there are other ways to display Shohin better, and there are many variations of the box stand, but, in my opinion, just sitting them arranged on the table top is the absolute worst!
The box stand display had the trees just sitting on the shelves. I think the display would have been improved by using little Shohin stands to better vary the height and apparant visual space within the stand. The primary feature of the display is the bunion pine on top of the box. It’s so interesting, you don’t even want to look st anything else! A good Shohin display should be balanced. That tree would be a great “off the box” tree. One sitting by the side of the box. The little tree (shrub?) in the bottom right quadrant just looks lost. I kept wanting to swap places with it swapping with the bunjin.
About the tipped pot:
My opinion is it should not be allowed. It appears to be a nice tree, just not yet ready to show. Wait a year and show it at the proper angle.
There were also many trees not properly mossed. In fact, to the point that I’m thinking they may have a rule forbidding moss! (Just kidding!). Having moss on trees on display is a long standing tradition. Most of my trees at home do not have moss. It’s actually healthier for the trees not to be mossed. Applying moss to the surface for a show is akin to donning a Tuxedo to attend a fancy event. It shows respect to the event, and to the viewer that the tree has been prepared to look its best.
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