Image by racer108 via Flickr

Sharis are related to fins but reflect a much more dramatic struggle with nature, causing a loss of bark from the trunk. This could be the result of lightning, disease, the battle with the elements, or it may just be the way the tree naturally ages.

Like fins, sharis are more appropriate on conifer bonsai, but for inspiration on deciduous trees take a look at our lowland pollarded willows with split trunks, or ancient hollow oaks.

The extreme use of sharis is employed in the creation of driftwood style bonsai. They are carved and refined to form wonderful shapes and textures which become more visually significant than the foliage masses. This is true living sculpture which, with the right balance of driftwood, tree and pot, represents the highest level of bonsai as an art form.

It is best to take several seasons to create an extensive shari, stripping of a little more bark each time.

Bark is part of the tree’s transport system, so always leave enough to support the foliage. On no account remove bark from immediately below a branch or it will die.

Never allow a shari to encircle the trunk completely or the tree will die above that point.

Junipers will live happily with a spiral of living bark provided the shari is created gradually over several seasons.

Pines will accept a gentle curve but spruces require a more or less straight line of living tissue from root to branch.

Give the bonsai the proper aftercare by placing it in a lightly sheltered spot until all the remaining branches show new growth.