Age: about 180 yrs Height: 116 cm
Kuromatsu
(Japanese Black Pine)

This is a large-sized bonsai tree that measures more than 1 meter in height. The dignified tree form brews a sense of large tree. Notably magnificent is the tree surface of the tachiagari lower part of the trunk that is peculiar to ganseki matsu (pine) trees.

Also fine is the ochieda branch that hangs down vertically. Wires are not so frequently used at the Imperial Palace. It appears certain to have taken much time for the branch to hang down so straight. It is easy to imagine how extraordinary efforts have been made to maintain the hard feature of the trunk that curves from the root powerfully.

This is a popular bonsai tree often showcased at various exhibitions.It was put on display at the 55th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition, the 2004 Pacific Flora at Lake Hamana in Shizuoka Prefecture, and 11th and 20th Bonsai Exhibitions. It is well known among bonsai lovers.

translated by Kyodo News