Majestic 40-Year-Old Kishu Shimpaku with Classic Formal Upright Presence

A Majestic 40-Year-Old Kishu Shimpaku Ready for Chokkan Refinement

Due to USDA regulations, we cannot ship Junipers to California.

This Kishu Shimpaku has a presence that immediately feels calm, strong and established. Its tall trunk rises confidently from the soil, supporting a balanced arrangement of branches that already suggests the classic structure of a formal upright bonsai. 

Started from a cutting in 1986, this tree has been cultivated for approximately 40 years. That time has produced a substantial trunk, mature bark, weathered deadwood and primary branches that are already positioned at multiple levels throughout the tree.

What makes this specimen especially exciting is its natural suitability for a Chokkan inspired design. Chokkan, or formal upright, is one of the most recognizable bonsai styles. The trunk rises vertically, the strongest branches begin lower on the tree, and the silhouette gradually narrows toward the apex.

This tree already has that essential framework. Its lower branches provide visual weight, the middle branches establish rhythm and the upper growth can be refined into a compact crown. As the foliage pads continue to develop, the open spaces between them will become increasingly important, allowing the trunk and branch structure to remain visible.

The trunk has enough subtle movement and texture to keep the design interesting without losing its upright character. A prominent live vein travels beside weathered wood, creating a beautiful contrast through the lower trunk. Mature bark and old branch scars contribute to the feeling that this is a tree with a genuine history.

At 20 inches tall, this Kishu has an elegant vertical presence. Its 17-inch spread gives it enough width to feel balanced while preserving the tall, dignified silhouette that makes formal upright bonsai so compelling. The 9.5-inch round mica pot keeps the visual footprint compact and allows the tree itself to remain the focus.

The foliage has been opened to reveal the branch structure and create the beginnings of individual pads. With continued pruning, selective wiring and patient refinement, those pads can become tighter and more clearly separated. The result could be a powerful Chokkan style bonsai with an aged trunk and a beautifully organized crown.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who appreciates classical bonsai structure but still wants to participate in the development process. You can continue the work yourself, bring the tree to a workshop or collaborate with a bonsai professional to refine its branch placement and silhouette.

This specimen is part of our limited collection of mature Kishu Shimpaku, much of which was acquired from Gerald Rainville. We typically sell one or two trees from this collection each week. Once these 40-year-old specimens have found their new homes, they cannot simply be replaced.

As we continue developing the foliage pads and refining the remaining trees, their prices will increase to reflect that additional work. This tree already has the age, trunk and branch structure. Its next caretaker has the opportunity to bring those elements together into a distinguished formal upright bonsai.

You will receive the exact tree shown in the photographs.

Tree Details

• Species: Kishu Shimpaku Juniper
• Botanical name: Juniperus chinensis ‘Kishu’
• Age: Approximately 40 years
• Height: 20 inches from the soil to the apex
• Spread: Approximately 17 inches
• Container: 9.5-inch round mica training pot
• Location: Massachusetts
• Photographed: July 20, 2026

Shipping Confidence

This tree ships from our Massachusetts nursery and will be carefully packed to protect its upright trunk, branches, roots, soil and mica training pot during transit.

Give the tree suitable outdoor light, water it carefully and allow it time to adjust to its new environment. Kishu Shimpaku is an outdoor bonsai and should not be grown indoors.

Please Note

All trees are sold as-is. All sales are final. No refunds, returns or exchanges. Once the tree leaves our nursery, its care is your responsibility. Have questions? Just reach out. We’re happy to help.