Scientific name: Pinus Thunbergii Var. Mikawa

Origin: Japan, Mikawa District

Distinguishing feature: The Mikawa black pine branches readily and therefore ramification increases rapidly.  

Style: Potpourri

History: This tree was a one gallon seedling purchased in 1990. It grew in a 5 gallon nursery can and was neglected. I started working on it in 2012. The exposed roots are to simulate a running animal…a style favored by Chinese tradition.

Some believe bonsai originated from Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that promotes existing in harmony with the universe…and extrapolation is divine power to turn living objects to inanimate miniature objects…Thus the fairy tales of miniature kingdoms with tiny people and bonsai.

Today, some taoist temples and Buddhist temples like those in Hong Kong have bonsai exhibitions.