John Kirby Demonstration Kiyohime Japanese Maple Bonsai
This Kiyohime Japanese Maple bonsai has a story behind it that makes it especially interesting. It was grown by Mark Comstock and later used by John Kirby as his demonstration tree during a private workshop with 8 students. That alone gives this tree a little extra meaning. It is not just another bonsai on the bench. It is a tree that has already been part of a real teaching experience with one of the artists many enthusiasts know and respect.
Kiyohime is loved for its naturally compact growth, short internodes, and ability to create a dense, layered silhouette over time. This one already shows the beginnings of that character. The branching sits low and spreads outward, giving the tree a broad, grounded feel, while the compact proportions make it especially appealing for someone who appreciates smaller deciduous bonsai with refinement potential.
Right now, the tree is still moving through spring and the foliage is in a tender, transitional stage. That is important to note. The new leaves are soft and delicate, and the appearance will continue changing as the season progresses. Even so, you can already see the direction of the tree and the bones of the design. With time, this should become an even more attractive Kiyohime with the dense, layered pad development this variety is known for.
It is planted in a glazed Japanese ceramic pot that suits the tree well and gives it a more finished presentation. Between the provenance, the cultivar, and the workshop connection, this is a meaningful piece for someone who wants more than just a nice little maple.
- Species: Kiyohime Japanese Maple
- Provenance: Grown by Mark Comstock
- Workshop History: John Kirby demonstration tree from a private workshop with 8 students
- Height: 9.5" from table to apex
- Spread: 9"
- Pot: Glazed Japanese ceramic pot
- Base Width: 8"
- Photographed: March 25, 2026
- Ships From: Our Massachusetts nursery
Seasonal Note: Japanese Maples are deciduous trees and their appearance changes throughout the year. The spring foliage on this tree is still tender and in an early stage of development, so its appearance will continue to change as the leaves mature and harden off. Minor leaf movement, softening, or blemishing during shipping is normal and does not indicate a problem with the health of the tree.
Please Read Before Purchasing
This is a high-value bonsai that we’ve spent years watering, fertilizing, pruning, and caring for. Once it leaves our nursery, its care is 100% in your hands. By purchasing this tree, you acknowledge that Bonsai Outlet makes no warranties once it leaves our facility. All one-of-a-kind trees are sold “as is.” Sales are final—no refunds or exchanges. We assume you know what you’re buying and how to care for it, but if you have any questions, ask before purchasing. We’re happy to help!
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.
