The Shakkan is a miniature tree of only little more than a foot of height^[1]. The art of growing miniature trees was developed by Yanjingyi gardeners over a period of a thousand years. They have the ability to store and over time build up magic from his owners^[2] and can be shaped in different ways to concentrate strength. The seed or clipping has to agree to being shaped and kept small, otherwise he won't prosper.^[3] The imperial palace of Yanjing has the largest collection of shakkans, followed by Empress Berenene's greenhouses^[4]. Shakkans are very valuable, being priced at at least ten silver astrels the piece^[5].They are based on bonsai trees, which Tamora Pierce is fond of.

Briar Moss stole a 146-year-old pine shakkan from Dedicate Crane, who falsely assumed that the tree was only 130 years old^[6], in his first year at Winding Circle^[3]. This shakkan soon became accustomed to Briar, missing him when Briar was in quarantine in Urda's House and the shakkan remained at home at Discipline cottage.^[2] The plant preferred Briar's touch to Rosethorn's, which surprised Briar.^[7] When Briar and Rosethorn travelled to extend Briar's education they took his shakkan with them.

Shakkan stylesEdit

• Bunjingi - also called "calligraphy form," shaped with a long trunk and a few upper branches^[8]
• Cascade Style - shaped with the trunk bent cleanly to the side
• Windblown Style - shaped with a more upright trunk

Notes and referencesEdit

1. ↑ Sandry's Book, Cp. 5 (p. 91; Scholastic paperback)
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Briar's Book, Cp. 5 (p. 78; Scholastic paperback)
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} Sandry's Book, Cp. 8 (p. 149; Scholastic paperback)
4. ↑ The Will of the Empress, Cp. 6 (p. 132; Scholastic paperback)
5. ↑ Sandry's Book, Cp. 9 (p. 158; Scholastic paperback)
6. ↑ Sandry's Book, Cp. 8 (p. 146; Scholastic paperback)
7. ↑ Briar's Book, Cp. 6 (p. 100; Scholastic paperback)
8. ↑ Street Magic, Cp. 11 (p. 201; Scholastic paperback)