Bonsai trees can be incredibly costly, but with proper care they will last generations. Some even hold cultural and historical value which makes them even more desirable.
One such tree is the Yamaki Pine, a 400-year-old white pine that survived Hiroshima bombing and now displayed at the National Arboretum.
Sandai Shogun no Matsu
The oldest bonsai tree in the world, Sandai Shogun no Matsu (the third-generation Tokugawa pine”) has been carefully nurtured by emperors for over 500 years and can be seen at Tokyo Imperial Palace Collection as a national treasure. It’s widely regarded as one of Japan’s most renowned bonsai trees.
This bonsai was crafted in the 17th century and owned by Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu before being donated to Tokyo Imperial Palace as part of their collection. It has been recognized as a national treasure due to its exquisite workmanship and cultural significance.
Bonsai can be created from many species, but the most popular are those with thick trunks and gnarled bark. Some of the most stunning examples are created from pine trees.
Another popular bonsai type is juniper. Unfortunately, this variety can be very costly with prices often reaching over $2 million to purchase. However, for those seeking something unique and exotic that can be kept in a pot and cared for regularly, juniper makes an excellent option.
Some juniper trees can be over 1000 years old, making them highly valued and expensive to own.
For an unforgettable view of some of Japan’s most beloved bonsai trees, make your way to Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Tokyo. This museum showcases Japan’s culture and features two ancient bonsai trees.
One of the oldest Japanese junipers, Garyo, has been around for 700 years and earned its name due to its twisting trunk resembling jaws of a reclining dragon. What an amazing piece of bonsai art!
This juniper can be found at Mansei-en bonsai nursery, part of six other bonsai gardens and a bonsai village located in Omiya, Saitama, Japan. Here you’ll have an opportunity to view these incredible trees up close as well as gain some insight into the history of bonsai itself.
Yamaki Pine
One of Japan’s most renowned bonsai trees, known as the Yamaki Pine, was donated to the National Arboretum by bonsai master Masaru Yamaki and has survived atomic bombing in Hiroshima.
Bonsai trees are miniature replicas of real plants that are grown at a smaller scale. To make them appear realistic, they often need pruning in order to maintain their shape. Bonsai trees have become hugely popular in Japan as people enjoy making them as part of an enjoyable hobby.
Bonsai trees come in an array of shapes, sizes and colors; often they’re grafted together for a unique aesthetic. Pine trees in particular tend to be popular among bonsai connoisseurs due to their popularity among this enthusiast group.
Bonsai trees are created using several techniques, such as leaf trimming, wiring branches and clamping. These methods enable bonsai artists to customize the size and shape of a tree for a more organic appearance.
Some of these techniques draw upon traditional Japanese practices, while others were created by modern bonsai masters. Bonsai has developed a close connection with Zen Buddhism as it is believed to help cultivate patience and an affinity with nature.
An amazing aspect of bonsai trees is their longevity – something rarely observed among other types of plants. This makes them highly valuable, with some being resold for as much as $1 million!
In 1976, The Yamaki Pine bonsai was donated to the National Arboretum as part of a gift from Nippon Bosnai Association in honor of America’s bicentennial. For 25 years it sat neglected until two of its grandsons visited and discovered it in 2001.
After that, it was showcased in the National Arboretum’s bonsai collection and has since become one of the most renowned bonsai trees ever.
In addition to providing a great opportunity for bonsai beginners, the National Arboretum also houses some stunning specimens. These include 400-year-old Yamaki Pine that was saved from Hiroshima, as well as Imperial Pine that once stood outside Japan’s Imperial residence. You can take a tour of the museum to experience these sights for yourself!
Nakayama Bonsai
Bonsai is an art form in which a miniature landscape or tree is carefully cultivated and trained. They come in many different styles, from simple to complex; many draw inspiration from nature while others express the artist’s personal aesthetic.
Bonsai trees come in many varieties, with ficus, privet, and tea being some of the most popular choices. Most can be grown indoors but also outdoors; you might even consider growing Brazilian rain trees!
There are over two hundred styles of Bonsai, from classic forms to those that closely resemble nature. Aside from shape, they can also be classified according to size: Mame or Shohin one-handed trees; Kotate-mochi two-handed trees ranging in height from 16cm to 60cm; Omono four-handed trees available from 60 cm up to 1m40 in height.
Japanese bonsai tree cultivation gained notoriety after World War II, but its roots lay elsewhere: China. Here, these trees were often decorated with gold, silver or bronze accents as symbols of wealth and status.
After the war, Bonsai began to be showcased throughout Japan and beyond. These shows offered people an opportunity to appreciate and awe at these exquisite miniature landscapes.
Today, bonsai have become an internationally renowned cultural icon and an integral part of Japan’s landscape. They symbolize a harmonious balance between man and nature and offer relaxation and serenity – helping you connect with yourself and those around you.
Studies have demonstrated that viewing Bonsai trees can promote relaxation, and serve as an effective visual stimulant for the brain. They may also improve concentration and reduce stress levels.
Bonsai trees exhibit an exquisite balance of proportion, texture and color. Their soft appearance and graceful movement draw attention to them.
Recent research demonstrated the calming effect of bonsai due to their mimicking natural landscapes. Researchers placed eight miniature potted 10-year-old cypress trees in a container, simulating a forest landscape.
Kobayashi Bonsai
Kobayashi Bonsai is a Japanese artist known for creating stunning bonsai trees. He stands out with his distinctive style, often using dead wood on living trees to capture nature’s beauty.
Bonsai art derives from a centuries-old Chinese and Japanese practice of planting small trees in decorative pots to encourage them to flourish indoors. This style has been practiced for thousands of years as part of landscaping designs that capture both nature’s beauty as well as practical utility.
Bonsai can be created for personal enjoyment or financial gain. They may be sculpted quickly with little experience or refined over time through increased personal expertise and exposure to other bonsai artists.
These beautiful creations can be crafted in a variety of styles, often drawing inspiration from local flora and fauna as well as cultural traditions. Traditionally, they are crafted from one species of tree; however, more and more people are using a variety of plants for their designs.
Bonsai is a highly valued art form in Japan that draws both professionals and amateurs alike. This ancient form of gardening has been modernized to reflect contemporary values and appreciations.
A professional bonsai master, also referred to as an oyakata (master), typically oversees many apprentices. Their responsibilities include maintaining the health of their trees and styling them to look their best.
One of Japan’s most renowned bonsai trees is Sandai Shogun no Matsu, a five-needle pine that has been carefully maintained by Japanese emperors for hundreds of years. This National Treasure now resides in Tokyo Imperial Palace as a National Monument.
Kunio Kobayashi has created an iconic bonsai, a 16 foot red pine that stands at his Shunkaen Bonsai Museum and is considered the world’s tallest bonsai.
This tree’s trunk is so massive that it requires special support to maintain the shape of its branches and stems. Not only does this showcase the stunning beauty that can be achieved with bonsai, but it’s a testament to the artistry and skill of those responsible for creating it.