Tanuki def.
A tanuki bonsai is a composite bonsai created by attaching a young, living Tree to an artistic piece of deadwood. The technique, also known as a “phoenix graft," is used to create the illusion of an ancient, weathered tree in a much shorter time than if it were grown naturally. The name is derived from the tanuki, a mischievous raccoon dog from Japanese folklore known as a shapeshifter and trickster, which is a nod to the "deceptive" nature of the technique.
Technique and design:
• A tanuki project requires a strong, well-shaped piece of deadwood (often found driftwood) and a young, flexible tree that can be manipulated to follow the form of the deadwood.
Assembly:
• A channel or groove is carved into the deadwood. The young tree is then placed into this channel and secured with wire, screws, or cable ties. Over time, the living tree's trunk will swell and grow into the groove, creating the impression that the tree and the deadwood are a single, ancient entity.
The Goal:
• The ultimate aim is for the live tree to look like a "life vein" growing out of a piece of dramatic deadwood. The artist styles the foliage and branches to create a credible and beautiful composition.
Controversy and modern perspective:
• The purist view: In traditional Japanese bonsai, tanuki is sometimes considered less respectable than growing a tree naturally from scratch. Some purists consider the method to be "cheating" because it combines two separate pieces of wood.
• The modern view: In the West and among many hobbyists, the technique is considered a valid and creative artistic expression. The tanuki is an accepted way to incorporate a unique piece of deadwood into a composition and achieve an aged look relatively quickly.
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