California Juniper Bonsai (Harry Hirai)
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ragesoss" title="User:Ragesoss">Ragesoss</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameCalifornia Juniper Bonsai (Harry Hirai)
Species NameJuniperus californica
Common NameCalifornia Juniper
Bonsai Styleliterati
Estimated Age (years)200
Container Typeunglazed rectangular ceramic pot
Geographic Originnorth-america
Cultivation Difficultyexpert
Trunk Featuresextensive deadwood (shari), jin, live vein, contorted
Foliage Typescale-like
Height (cm)55
Nebari (Root Flare) Qualityexcellent
Notable FeaturesMassive, arching deadwood structure; donated by Harry Hirai; on display at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.
Description
This California Juniper bonsai features a dramatic, sweeping trunk dominated by extensive, bleached deadwood (shari and jin) that forms a large arch. A small, vibrant pad of scale-like foliage emerges from a live vein, contrasting sharply with the ancient, weathered wood. The tree has been in training since 1968 and was donated by renowned bonsai artist Harry Hirai.
