Spirit of Shohin Event at RHS Wisley 2016.
The exhibition hall allowed for 36 displays of Mame, Shohin, Chuhin/Kifu, together with displays from two leading bonsai potters. The standard of the displays achieved in the exhibition was much higher than at previous shohin shows. There were significantly more mame exhibits than previously shows, emphasising the growth in popularity of the smaller trees.
Alongside the Exhibition Hall the R H S had erected a marquee to house the traders invited to participate in the event. Visitors were able to purchase all bonsai related products from trees, pots, tools, display items and even potting medium.
The ‘headliner’ for the weekend was the internationally famous young bonsai artist Taiga Urushibata from Japan, assisted and translated by Maarten van der Hoeven from Holland. Taiga Urushibata ran a workshop on both days of the event.
The displays were judged by Taiga Urushibata and Maarten van der Hoeven, together with four other bonsai practitioners from Holland and the UK, the score being aggregated, any exhibits with equal points were re-judged by all the judges. Each judge’s result sheets, with any comments, were displayed for all exhibitors to see thus making the system transparent.
On the Saturday evening a dinner was held for exhibitors, traders and guests where the prize winners were presented with their trophies and certificates.
With the event being held at the RH S Wisley Gardens there were very many visitors. We hope that at least a few of them felt inspired after seeing the Show to enter the fascinating world of bonsai culture and all it entails.
Barry Walker – Chairman SSBS visited the Show and comments,
A couple of trees especially caught my eye, they were on display along with many fine trees at this excellent show . They were both about four inches tall with very fine carving. Many other top class tree were on display and there was also a good range of traders.
Several of our society members visited the show and Wisley Gardens over a very good weekend and the weather was very kind to us, all were suitably impressed.
More trees displayed at the show:
Some very good trees a worthwhile trip.
