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.
We ship thousands of bonsai trees and supplies each year, and every order is packed with care by our team. Live trees are watered, secured, and packaged to help them arrive safely and ready for their new home.
Live bonsai trees generally ship early in the week, Monday and Tuesday, to reduce time in transit. Tools, pots, soil, fertilizer, and other non-living items usually ship throughout the week.
Bonsai Outlet is a licensed nursery, not just a warehouse. We follow the proper inspection and certification requirements for shipping live plants across state lines. When a state requires additional documentation, such as a nematode certificate or nursery inspection certificate, we work to ensure the proper requirements are met before shipping.
For complete shipping and return details, please visit: Shipping & Returns