Glossary of Bonsai and Suiseki Terms

The Japanese vocabulary of bonsai and viewing stones, explained in plain English and linked to the fuller entries in this volume.

Term Japanese Meaning
Akadama 赤玉土 Granular red clay soil. See Bonsai Soils.
Bunjingi 文人木 Literati style: a slender trunk with few branches.
Chokkan 直幹 Formal upright style.
Daiza 台座 A carved base fitted to one stone.
Doban 銅盤 A bronze tray for stones.
Hachi 鉢 A pot. See Bonsai Pots.
Jin 神 A dead branch stripped of bark.
Jita 地板 A slab or board used as a stand.
Kazari 飾り Display. See Kazari.
Kengai 懸崖 Cascade style.
Kowatari 古渡 Antique Chinese pot of the old crossing.
Kusamono 草物 A planting of grasses and wild flowers.
Mame 豆 The smallest class of tree.
Moyōgi 模様木 Informal upright style.
Nebari 根張り The visible surface roots spreading from the trunk.
Rakkan 落款 A maker’s seal or chop.
Shari 舎利 Stripped deadwood on the trunk.
Shōhin 小品 Small trees, held in one hand.
Shoku 卓 A display table.
Suiban 水盤 A shallow ceramic tray without a drainage hole.
Suiseki 水石 A natural viewing stone. See Suiseki.
Tachiagari 立ち上がり The lowest section of trunk, from roots to first branch.
Tana 棚 A tiered stand for small trees.
Tokonoma 床の間 The display alcove of a Japanese room.
Tomobako 共箱 A box signed by the maker.
Yose-ue 寄せ植え A forest planting.

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