Miniature Tree from Kasuga Gongen Bonkei
Image: 高階隆兼 (Takashina Takakane) (Public domain)
NameMiniature Tree from Kasuga Gongen Bonkei
Species NameIndeterminate
Common NameMiniature Landscape Tree
Bonsai Styleinformal-upright
Estimated Age (years)15
Container TypeRectangular bonkei tray
Geographic Originasia
Cultivation Difficultyintermediate
Trunk Featuresslender, slightly curved, smooth bark (as depicted)
Foliage TypeStylized foliage
Height (cm)8
Nebari (Root Flare) QualityNot discernible
Notable FeaturesAn early artistic representation of miniature landscape art (bonkei) in Japan, offering historical insight into the art form's development.
Description
This miniature tree is a component of a bonkei (tray landscape) depicted in the 14th-century Japanese scroll "Kasuga Gongen Genki E". It features a slender, slightly curved trunk with sparse, stylized foliage, contributing to the serene, naturalistic scene within the tray.
