Japanese Pine Root-Over-Rock Bonsai
Image: <bdi><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Tosa_Mitsunobu" class="extiw" title="w:en:Tosa Mitsunobu"><span title="Japanese painter (1434–1525)">Tosa Mitsunobu</span></a></bdi> (Public domain)
NameJapanese Pine Root-Over-Rock Bonsai
Species NamePinus sp.
Common NameJapanese Pine
Bonsai Styleroot-over-rock
Estimated Age (years)80
Container Typeshallow ceramic tray
Geographic Originasia
Cultivation Difficultyintermediate
Trunk Featuressturdy trunk, aged appearance
Foliage Typeneedle-like
Height (cm)25
Nebari (Root Flare) Qualitywell-developed, gripping rock
Notable FeaturesDepicted in a historical Japanese scroll (Seikō-ji engi emaki) from 1487, highlighting the long tradition of bonsai cultivation. The tree's roots are intricately wrapped around a large rock, forming the core of its design.
Description
This stylized bonsai, depicted in a 15th-century Japanese scroll, showcases a conifer growing dramatically over a prominent rock formation. Its roots are clearly visible gripping the rock, creating a strong visual connection between tree and stone. The tree is presented in a shallow, rectangular tray, suggesting a well-established and carefully cultivated specimen.
