SHOKEI | Product | JUME BONSAI

SHOKEI — The beauty of life, set free.

AboutAbout SHOKEI

The beauty of life, set free.
JUME BONSAI SHOKEI

Bonsai Artist MARIKO Daisuke wanted to bring the appeal of bonsai to more people.
Yet a number of practical limitations stood in the way.

Requires delicate care involving water, light, temperature, and more
Difficult to transport across borders
Requires specialist knowledge of growth and pruning

Could the essence of bonsai be expressed as form beyond these limitations? That question led to Tosa washi (traditional Japanese handmade paper).
JUME uses this material, one of Japan’s three renowned washi traditions. Its irregularly layered fibers capture natural variation and the accumulation of time.

Through JUME’s proprietary shaping techniques, we further create:
・gradations of light and dark that suggest the passage of time
・cracked structures that evoke natural weathering
・dye treatments that imitate the decayed textures of moss and soil
Layering these expressions allows us to reconstruct, through the power of materials, forms of life shaped by nature over time.
JUME BONSAI SHOKEI does not imitate life; it gives form to the memory of life.

GalleryGallery

Works

匠景　威風 -IFU-　GM

Ideal natural beauty woven from a thousand sheets of Tosa washi. SHOKEI bonsai and a representative work by MARIKO Daisuke: “Ifu.” Carefully crafted from more than 1,000 sheets of Tosa washi, this work stands at the pinnacle of Moyogi (Informal Upright), pursuing both tradition and the ideal beauty of bonsai. The texture of the trunk rises with a dignified, gentle curve; delicate branches spread in exquisite balance. There is also the suggestion of wind passing through the foliage and meticulously calculated negative space. True to its name, the work has a weighty and proud presence. Shadows formed by layer upon layer of Tosa washi breathe within it, creating a tranquil miniature universe. Enjoy the overwhelming beauty born from the fusion of master craftsmanship and the warmth of Tosa washi.
匠景　匠景 -SHOKEI-　PM

An exceptional work that condenses into a palm-sized shohin the dignity of a Japanese black pine that has endured wind and snow, its branches sweeping powerfully in one direction. SHOKEI bonsai shohin “Japanese Black Pine Fukinagashi.” ■ The concentrated vitality of Japanese black pine expressed through 80 sheets of Tosa washi Bonsai Artist MARIKO Daisuke meticulously layered approximately 80 sheets of Tosa washi one by one, expressing in palm-sized form the rough bark distinctive to Japanese black pine and the delicate character of its needles. Because the number of sheets is limited, the work possesses a honed beauty in which nothing is wasted. ■ The natural wind expressed through an aesthetic of pruning, without wire In bonsai, a miniature expression of nature, unnatural curves formed with artificial wire are not used. Based on techniques and an aesthetic of pruning cultivated over many years, the work is shaped down to the carefully calculated negative space through which harsh winds seem to pass. Though a shohin, it depicts the drama of nature’s severity and the vitality of life. ■ Eternal stillness blooming in a miniature universe on the palm The quiet texture of Tosa washi, which will not wither, creates a refined atmosphere wherever the work is displayed. Enjoy a supreme shohin expression unique to SHOKEI bonsai, containing within its small form a seemingly immeasurable scale of nature.
匠景　匠景 -SHOKEI-　MM

A special work born from a collaboration with JAL (Japan Airlines), where refined Japanese aesthetics intersect with the romance of travel. SHOKEI bonsai chuhin “Moyogi (JAL Special Collaboration Model).” ■ A refined Moyogi framework woven from 450 sheets of Tosa washi Bonsai Artist MARIKO Daisuke hand-layered approximately 450 carefully selected sheets of Tosa washi one by one, creating the moderate dynamism and substantial presence characteristic of chuhin size. The work meticulously expresses the beautiful rise and supple trunk curves of Moyogi, one of the classic forms of bonsai. ■ The natural atmosphere created by pruning techniques without wire Rather than relying on unnatural curves created by artificial wire, the work is shaped according to an aesthetic of pruning cultivated over many years. Meticulously calculated branching and the suggestion of wind passing through the spaces between branches bring pleasant negative space and stillness to its surroundings. ■ A supreme collaboration bringing Japanese beauty to the world Made possible through a special collaboration with JAL, the work fuses traditional Japanese beauty with contemporary refinement. This Tosa washi bonsai will not wither and continues to preserve its beauty beyond time, creating a refined and sophisticated space.
匠景　文人木 -BUNJINGI-　PM

An exceptional work that condenses into a palm-sized form the beauty of Bunjingi, whose slender, supple trunk line creates a quiet atmosphere stripped of all excess. SHOKEI bonsai shohin “Bunjingi.” ■ A honed presence expressed through 40 carefully selected sheets of Tosa washi Bonsai Artist MARIKO Daisuke created this shohin work using approximately 40 sheets of Tosa washi, meticulously layering each one. Because the number of sheets is deliberately limited, the supple trunk texture characteristic of Bunjingi and the precise branch structure stand out, bringing a dignified atmosphere to the surrounding space. ■ Stripped-down beauty expressed through an aesthetic of pruning, without wire In bonsai, a miniature expression of nature, unnatural curves formed with artificial wire are not used. Based on techniques and sensibilities of pruning cultivated over many years, the work recreates the simple yet refined aesthetic formed by negative space and a slender framework, carefully expressing the essential character of Bunjingi. ■ An eternal lingering impression suited to any setting The rich texture of Tosa washi, which will not wither, gives this small work a distinct presence. It is a supreme shohin unique to SHOKEI bonsai, adding a quiet sense of Japanese refinement to everyday spaces.

MaterialsMaterials & Techniques

PaperTosa washi

Bonsai Artist MARIKO Daisuke selected Tosa washi as a core material. Its defining quality is the irregular layering of fibers, which captures natural variation and the passage of time within the paper itself.
This subtle variation in the fibers conveys traces of life and accumulated time in a way uniform industrial materials cannot. More than a material, Tosa washi acts as a living medium that resonates with nature and lies at the heart of the world of JUME BONSAI SHOKEI.

VESSELThe Vessel

Bonsai vessel

The tree alone is not yet complete.

Bonsai is completed through the union of tree and vessel. If either dominates, the balance is lost; if either lacks presence, the work loses definition. Even the same tree can reveal an entirely different character when placed in a different vessel.

We use authentic vessels fired specifically for bonsai.
The density of the clay, the texture of the fired surface, the rise of the rim, and the placement of the feet all matter. Their weight feels different in the hand, and their presence changes once set in place.
Because these vessels are structured to support trees over many years,
they can truly receive and frame the form of the bonsai.

The criteria change with every tree. We read the trunk, branching, and overall form to determine the vessel’s shape, depth, and color.
If the tree flows to the right, the visual weight is placed to the left. If the trunk is powerful, the vessel steps back quietly. There is no fixed formula; each choice is guided by an eye trained through years of working with bonsai.

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PM

Palm-sized
lightweight model

Approx. Dimensions	Approx. height: 15cm
Suggested Use	Desks, bookshelves, and small gifts

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MM

A standard model balancing
tree form, base, and vessel

Approx. Dimensions	Approx. height: 30–59cm
Suggested Use	Restaurant tables, entrances, studies, and more

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GM

An expressive model with
strong presence and character

Approx. Dimensions	Approx. height: 60–120cm
Suggested Use	Stores, hotel lobbies, exhibitions, and more

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※Prices shown are estimates and may vary depending on order specifications.

FlowOrder Process

01Inquiry

Please contact us through this website, by email, or via social media.
We will ask about your preferred atmosphere, display location, size, budget, and other requirements.
02Proposal & Estimate

Based on your preferences and reference works, we will prepare a proposal covering elements such as:
・tree form (Moyogi, Bunjingi, Kengai, etc.)
・vessel material and color
・materials used, including washi, wire, and coloring
We will discuss these details with you and provide an estimate before production begins.
03Production (Approx. 2 months)

Based on the approved concept, JUME’s artisans carefully craft each work by hand, one by one.
Materials are selected and adjusted for each piece, combining washi, clay, wire, dyes, and other elements in a carefully considered balance.
The production process uses advanced techniques such as:

tearing, layering, and dyeing washi to create textures such as cracks, moss, and weathered bark
bending and fixing wire to recreate natural branching
coloring and gradation techniques that suggest the passage of time
designing harmony with the base while considering the work’s center of gravity and balance

Production usually takes approximately two months. We will keep you informed of progress as we carefully finish each detail.
Progress photos can also be shared upon request.
04Completion & Review

Once the work is complete, we will send photographs for your review.
Photographs taken in natural light will show the branching, washi texture, color gradations, and shadows in detail.
Minor adjustments can be made after your review.
05Delivery

The completed work is carefully packed with cushioning materials and, optionally, a paulownia box available for an additional fee.
Packaging is designed to protect the work from vibration and changes in humidity during transit.
We ship both within Japan and internationally.

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SHOKEISHOKEI

AboutAbout SHOKEI

The beauty of life, set free.
JUME BONSAI SHOKEI

GalleryGallery

MaterialsMaterials & Techniques

PaperTosa washi

VESSELThe Vessel

The tree alone is not yet complete.

LineupLineup

PM

MM

GM

FlowOrder Process

ORDER

Product Inquiries

SHOKEISHOKEI

AboutAbout SHOKEI

The beauty of life, set free.JUME BONSAI SHOKEI

GalleryGallery

MaterialsMaterials & Techniques

PaperTosa washi

VESSELThe Vessel

The tree alone is not yet complete.

LineupLineup

PM

MM

GM

FlowOrder Process

ORDER

Product Inquiries

The beauty of life, set free.
JUME BONSAI SHOKEI