Japanese Black Pine Bonsai (Hachi no ki)
Image: <bdi><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Suzuki_Harunobu" class="extiw" title="w:en:Suzuki Harunobu"><span title="Japanese printmaker">Suzuki Harunobu</span></a></bdi> (Public domain)
NameJapanese Black Pine Bonsai (Hachi no ki)
Species NamePinus thunbergii
Common NameJapanese Black Pine
Bonsai Styleinformal-upright
Estimated Age (years)50
Container Typerectangular ceramic pot
Geographic Originasia
Cultivation Difficultyintermediate
Trunk Featuresthick trunk, textured bark, curved trunk
Foliage Typeneedle-like
Height (cm)50
Nebari (Root Flare) Qualitypartially visible, appears developed
Notable FeaturesDepicted in Suzuki Harunobu's ukiyo-e print 'Mitate of the potted trees' (1766-1767), referencing the Hachi no ki Nō play. Shown covered in snow alongside two deciduous bonsai (likely plum and cherry).
Description
This specimen is a robust conifer, likely a pine, depicted as one of three treasured bonsai in a historical Japanese woodcut. It is shown covered in snow during winter, reflecting the theme of the Hachi no ki Nō play. Its sturdy trunk and dense foliage suggest a well-established tree.
