Here's a monster (the tree not the man, who happens to be Kunio Kobayashi). Last time we featured some magnificent bonsai brilliance by him and today we've got some more for your enjoyment.

Closeup of some very natural looking deadwood...

...on a very natural looking tree.

Shadow play on what looks like a Shimpaku juniper (or very close cousin).

Kunio Kobayashi posing with an extraordinarily wild looking juniper. It's easy to see which way the wind blows.

Same tree over time.

Here's another Juniper over almost thirty years.

We mentioned last time how so many Japanese bonsai artists love working with deadwood on junipers. There's a good reason for this. Not only do junipers look good with deadwood and take well to carving, but perhaps most importantly juniper deadwood holds up well and can last almost forever with proper care. On most trees deadwood tends to rot and deteriorate faster and requires more care to keep.

Master and apprentice in the workshop.

Koi pond and bridge at Mr Koybayashi's Shunka-en Bonsai Museum.

Can't have a koi pond without koi.

Having fun while removing a large sacrifice branch on a very large tree.