Seed-Grown 1986 Japanese Black Pine Bonsai – Root Over Rock Strength
This Japanese Black Pine is small in size, but full of age, character, and presence.
Started from seed in 1986, this bonsai has spent nearly four decades developing the qualities collectors look for in a mature pine: rugged bark, strong trunk character, compact branching, and a powerful root-over-rock base.
The exposed roots are the highlight of this tree. They grip and wrap around a natural stone, giving the composition an anchored, old-tree feeling. The bark has excellent texture, the trunk has visible age, and the canopy has a balanced, refined structure with healthy green needles and active spring candles.
This is not young nursery material or a recently trained pine. It is a mature Japanese Black Pine with visible age and a compact footprint, making it a strong choice for collectors who appreciate old bark, strong roots, and classic pine character without needing a large display space.
The tree is planted in an unglazed ceramic bonsai pot, which complements the rugged bark, stone base, and natural strength of the composition.
At a Glance
- Species: Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)
- Height: 13" from table to apex
- Spread: 11"
- Pot: 9.75" unglazed ceramic pot
- Age: Seed-grown, started in 1986
- Style: Root over rock
- Availability: One-of-a-kind – once sold, it’s gone
- Ships from: Our Massachusetts nursery
- Images taken on: May 11, 2026
Why This Bonsai
This tree’s strength is in its base. The exposed roots gripping the rock create immediate visual impact, while the rugged bark and compact canopy show the maturity that only comes with time. For a collector looking for a Japanese Black Pine with age, character, and a strong root-over-rock composition, this is a special opportunity.
Please Note
- All trees are sold as-is
- All sales are final – no refunds, returns, or exchanges
- Once the tree leaves our nursery, care is your responsibility
- Have questions? Reach out—we’re happy to help.
About This Tree
This Japanese Black Pine was started from seed in 1986 by Gerald Rainville. While the grower’s history adds provenance, the real story is the tree itself: the aged bark, exposed roots, stone base, compact branching, and decades of development visible in the composition.
Learning Resources and Bonsai Tree Care Guides:
Bonsai trees are not all the same - and neither is their care. Read our specific care sheets for individual bonsai species. Read the Bonsai Care Guides
Shipping Bonsai Trees:
Bonsai trees are generally shipped on Mondays & Tuesdays to avoid having them stay in the boxes for any extra time over the weekends.
Shipping Non-Tree Items
All non-bonsai items such as bonsai pots and bonsai supplies are shipped within 48 hours of receiving payment. Most orders are shipped either the same day or the next day, depending on the time of day the order is received.
Important Guidelines:
** We cannot ship to a FPO, APO, P.O. Box or to locations in Alaska, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii or anywhere internationally.
** All Bonsai are shipped direct from the nursery and may ship separately from other items purchased via the Bonsai Outlet.
** If extreme weather is expected, we may delay shipping your Bonsai tree to guarantee a healthy arrival; in such a case we will contact you. We are shipping living trees and must be conscious of the temperature conditions to the delivery address, as well as, while in transit. That said, we reserve the right to hold the tree(s) to guarantee a healthy delivery. We will Hold Your Tree Until It is Safe to Ship.
