20 July 2026
Two prizes at the 2026 Penjing & Artistic Stone Exhibition
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.
Singapore · Since 2019
Trees, and the years inside them.
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.
Recognition
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
Latest journal
12 July 2026
Omega: three years of deadwood
The tree the practice is known for, and the slow argument between a live vein and a carving tool.
28 June 2026
Bougainvillea, and the trouble with flowering here
Everyone wants a flowering bonsai. Almost nobody wants to stop watering it, which is the actual requirement.
Featured tree
Omega
Juniperus chinensis
Price on enquiry
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
On Instagram
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Work in progress, repotting sessions and new arrivals are posted there first.
@thebonsairider