Hi, it's certainly different, but I like it. That roots-in-the-air style is quite 'old fashioned' and not done much anymore, but I like it, and if you do too, who cares? If you have done any carving, or even concave nipping, you might consider rounding the edges of that big stump in the middle, but I can't see it that well, so only take my advice if it applies. I hope those rocks aren't glued on(!), and if they are, get them off now, or you'll never get the watering (or drying) right.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of exposed roots (more Chinese-style), but if you do wish to keep them, I would suggest burying them for a few years so that they can thicken to the appropriate size and fuse together.

Even if you don't decide to go for a more classical bonsai, it still makes a great conversation piece. Walking bonsai (it has been done before!)

-Audric

Thank you for your feedback. I'm leaning towards repotting this in the spring with a root-over-rock approach.

The problem with root over rock is that to make it look "right" the tree has to grow up with the rock. In other words, you just can't jam a rock into a tree and have it look good. It looks like a tree that got jammed onto a rock.
This tree is obviously an imported Chinese elm, probably brought over from a growing field in Taiwan or mainland China in company of many,many other trees of similar style and quality.
My thought is don't run away from what this is-a Chinese tree. Don't try and remake it as classic Japanese in pine style.

Good advice, Markp. Kind of like the old adage, let the tree become the tree, eh?

Looks like I'll have to do some research on the difference in Chinese and Japanese bonsai styles.

Best,
Tony