Provenance: Spain;
Container: Terracotta Pot;
Source: Prebonsai.

Style: Shakan;
Height: 20cm;
Nebari: 11cm.

This Zelkova nire in shakan (slanting) style arrived already shaped by a bonsai artist from Spain, who established the foundational design and primary structure. Purchased through a Facebook auction, the tree entered a new phase of development under its current owner. Over the past two years, the work has focused on refinement—tightening the silhouette, improving ramification, and maintaining the crisp elegance that defines high-quality shohin bonsai.

Despite its small size, the tree has already experienced a noteworthy exhibition career. At the beginning of 2025, it was submitted to the Trophy Jubilee 2025, where it was successfully selected for display—a significant recognition in the European bonsai scene. Shortly afterward, the tree participated in the Portuguese Bonsai Congress, earning two major distinctions: Best Shohin Display and Best Shohin. These awards reflect both the quality of the material and the care invested in its recent refinement.

Throughout its preparation and presentation, bonsai care and display guidance were supported by Ivo from BONSAITECA, contributing to the tree’s polished and balanced appearance in exhibition settings.

In its current form, the shakan composition conveys movement and poise through a clean, single trunk line and well-proportioned foliage pads. The compact dimensions amplify its impact:

The Eimei pot’s refined craftsmanship complements the delicate character of the Zelkova nire, enhancing the harmony of the composition while grounding the slanting form with stability and understated elegance.

Today, this shohin stands as a mature, expressive miniature—an example of international collaboration between artists, careful stewardship, and thoughtful presentation. Its achievements in recent exhibitions mark it as a small tree with a strong presence, one that continues to evolve through meticulous attention and dedicated artistry.