Singapore · Since 2019
The working journal of a Singapore bonsai practice — what is on the bench, what the exhibitions taught, and what is ready to move on.
The practice
The Bonsai Rider is the practice of Lee Yaohan Jonathan, a Singapore grower working mainly with juniper, Japanese black pine and tropical species suited to the local climate. This site is the record: what is on the bench, what the exhibitions taught, and how to keep a tree alive here.
Bronze Prize
Small Bonsai Category — Pinus thunbergii (Senjumaru Black Pine) 千寿丸黑松
Penjing & Artistic Stone Exhibition & Competition, Singapore Penjing & Stone Appreciation Society · 2026
Consolation Prize
Small Bonsai Category — Juniperus chinensis (Itoigawa) 糸魚川真柏
Penjing & Artistic Stone Exhibition & Competition, Singapore Penjing & Stone Appreciation Society · 2026
From the bench
Reflections on the MBSS Exhibition & Workshops – A Public Visitor’s Perspective I eventually attended the event as an MBSS Public Visitor. I had originally planned to enter one of…
20 July 2026
The Senjumaru black pine took Bronze and the Itoigawa shimpaku took a Consolation Prize in the Small Bonsai Category. Notes on what the judges rewarded, and what they did not.
12 July 2026
The tree the practice is known for, and the slow argument between a live vein and a carving tool.
Featured tree
Juniperus chinensis
S$9,800
The tree the practice is known for. A live vein runs the length of a trunk that has been hollowed and carved over several seasons, leaving a sweep of shari that turns back on itself — the shape that gave the tree its name. Foliage pads are kept deliberatel
View this tree@thebonsairider
