Age: about 210 yrs Height: 79 cm
Aikuromatsu
(a variety of Japanese Black Pine)

This tree has a trunk surface that resembles that of an akamatsu (Japanese Red Pine). But as its hasho leaf features are so hard, this is aikuromatsu, a variety of kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine). Grown with moderate fertilizers for a period of more than two centuries, it has a rich antique sense in an ellipsoidal vessel made in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, in central Japan.

The whole form of the tree is well-balanced thanks to a house made of kuzuyaishi stone at its foot. Kuzuyaishi stone is often used to make an artistic azumaya small house or a rural hut. The aged solitary house accentuates the large size of the pine tree and also builds up a grand landscape. The natural foliage that covers the whole house is nothing short of brilliant. The tree shows the sense of the traditional Japanese aesthetics of wabi and sabi loved by tea masters.

It was put on display in the 1970 World Expo in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, the 68th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition and bonsai exhibitions at the Imperial Palace.

translated by Kyodo News