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This technique is almost exclusively used on evergreen trees, as creating Jin or Shari on deciduous trees looks unrealistic (deadwood on deciduous trees rots away almost completely). In nature, Jin and Shari are created when a tree is hit by lightning, exposed to sustained periods of drought or when branches snap due to ice stress, wind or weight of snow.
When? The best time to create deadwood is the early spring or late summer.
How? Creating a natural looking Jin or Shari requires experience; practice before applying it to valuable trees. Having the right material is important; use Jin pliers, graving tools and Lime sulfur, available in most (online) Bonsai shops.
Creating a Jin Step-by-step plan of creating a bare branch
1. Remove the bark from the branch, so only the hardwood remains (see photo 1).
2. Using Jin pliers, pull away slithers of wood and cut them off at the end of the desired Jin.
3. When the basic shape of the Jin is ready round off sharp edges, using either a concave cutter or
some sandpaper.
4. To bleach the Jin and prevent it from rotting, “paint” it using Lime sulfur, which will take a night to
dry out properly.
Creating a Shari Step-by-step plan of creating an exposed section of wood on a trunk
1. Choosing the right spot for a Shari, not only one that looks good but also doesn’t cut off an
essential stream of nutrients for branches located higher in the tree, is very difficult. Before you start
removing bark, draw the desired shape of the Shari on the trunk with chalk.
2. Do not take risks and spread out the process of creating a Shari over several months, if not
years; start with a narrow strip of bark which you can widen in stages.
3. Using a sharp knife cut through the bark and tear it down using Jin pliers.
4. Once the desired shape is ready you can slightly hollow the trunk using a Concave cutter or
graving tools.
5. Now bleach the Shari part by “painting” it with Lime sulfur, which will protect the tree against
infections as well.
And then? Aftercare
No special aftercare is required.
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