Seed-Grown 1986 Japanese Black Pine Bonsai – Tall Rugged Trunk in Oval Pot
This Japanese Black Pine has a strong, upright presence with the rugged trunk character collectors love.
Started from seed in 1986, this bonsai has spent nearly four decades developing mature bark, exposed surface roots, compact branching, and classic Japanese Black Pine strength. The trunk rises with confident movement, giving the tree a taller, more commanding feel than many compact Shohin-size pines.
The bark is one of the highlights. It has the rough, weathered texture that makes older Japanese Black Pines so desirable, with visible age throughout the trunk and lower branching. The exposed roots at the base add stability and help anchor the composition, while the oval pot gives the tree room to breathe visually.
The branch structure has already been wired and positioned, giving this tree a strong foundation for continued refinement. Fresh spring candles and healthy green needles show active seasonal growth, making this a rewarding tree for a collector who wants a mature pine with age, structure, and future potential.
The tree is planted in an oval ceramic bonsai pot, which complements the upright trunk, exposed root base, and natural strength of the composition.
At a Glance
- Species: Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)
- Height: 15" from table to apex
- Spread: 14"
- Pot: 11" oval ceramic pot
- Age: Seed-grown, started in 1986
- Style: Upright pine with exposed root base
- 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 stands out for its taller trunk line, rugged mature bark, exposed roots, and active spring growth. It has the presence of an older pine, with enough established branching to enjoy now and enough refinement potential to keep developing over time.
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 that history adds provenance, the real value is visible in the tree itself: rugged bark, exposed roots, upright trunk character, wired branching, and decades of development.
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.
