The practice
About
The Bonsai Rider began the way most of these things do — one tree, bought on impulse, kept alive out of stubbornness.
The practice now centres on species that genuinely thrive in Singapore's climate: Itoigawa shimpaku, Japanese black pine, premna, and flowering tropicals. Styling favours the line the tree already has over the shape a book says it should take. Deadwood is carved slowly and only where the tree gives a reason.
Trees are shown at the Singapore Penjing & Stone Appreciation Society exhibitions, and a small number are offered for sale each year through Carousell, where the trading record is public.
A tree you cannot keep alive is not a bonsai, it is a purchase. Everything here is grown and tested in Singapore heat and humidity before it is offered to anyone else.
Coverage
In the press
Record
Awards & exhibitions
2026
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
On show
Exhibition photographs
Work with the practice
Styling, repotting and maintenance for trees in and around Singapore — or a question about one of your own.