true the branch did die .... and was not intentionally removed .... we often refer to these types of things as "styling opportunities" (make the unintentional feel like a gift)
I see the tree being enchanced by the creation of this empty space... it's not completely empty so we aren't left with a stark jolt.... with the subsequent creation of the additional jins the dead branch begins to make sense.... The empty space creates tension and drama its the sign of a calamity that must have befallen the tree (a large borer... a lightning strike ... maybe an extra hard freeze or killing wind on a branch that grew weak ) ... before the tree had sense of calmness and looking a little "groomed"
This creation of deadwood enhances the aged appearance of the tree ... we see such things in nature readily (at least up here) ... disrupting the look it being so "groomed" also gives us a sense of age... this overly neat (even in the older case of the tree) and obviously kept foliage gives the appearance of a young tree or the look something maintained.... we (by we I mean the group of bonsai ppl I refer to as bonsai bums II ) don't strive for such an appearance in our trees.... while we all have differing ideas of to what extent each tree should be taken we all agree on a few key points (i hope) : 1) the tree should look as appropriately ancient as is possible with the design 2) to achieve the goals of #1 it is often required that deadwood be created 3) the tree should appear natural in form .... 4) the tree must have some feature that sets it apart from others as a "focal point"
this last point is key here .... the other 3 points are met of course ... however it is the 4th point that leads us to see why this tree has dramatically improved ... the large dead branch and drama in that section of the tree gives it a focal point ... a place your eye lands first... since the base of this tree isn't the most amazing in the world the traditional focal point isn't used.... instead you are immediately moved into the crown of the tree to enjoy the detail and care spent creating a gnarled wonderland of branching and deadwood... you are presented with a sense of age .... the tree has a strong sense of movement now and the curve is the trunk is enhanced with a more dramatic sense of grandeur
note too that thinning of the needles and reduction of the foliage has helped with this effect as the lack of lushness in the tree also enhances the appearance of age... and allows us a chance to see the ramification that has been created (what use if awesome ramification if no one can enjoy the results of it?)
hopefullly that sheds some light on why I think the tree has been enhanced ......
Thank you for the thorough explanation of your reasoning. The tree definitely does tell a story, although my personal view is still that the loss of the branch was a step back for the tree. This is of course just my subjective opinion that is largely the result of the various influences I have encountered during my bonsai career, as is usually the case. Who knows, maybe in a few years I will appreciate this tree in the same way most of the people here seem to.
Cheers