By listing the 10 Oldest Bonsai Trees in the world that you want to know, we want to emphasize that all bonsai tree pattern is a tiny world of intrinsic.
It is improbable to compare the beauty and knowledge that reside in different bonsai trees worldwide, particular species of bonsai trees hide incredible stories to be told.
Oldest Bonsai Trees
SHUNKAEN
Recognized as one of the experts in bonsai gardening, Master Kunio Kobayashi shares a genuine passion for bonsai.
It was Master Kunio Kobayashi’s passion that made him open and start operating the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum located in Tokyo. It is at the Shunkaen Museum where two of the oldest bonsai trees are proudly displayed – each of them is over 800 years old!
Oldest Bonsai Trees
FICUS RETUSA LINN
Ficus Retusa Linn may be surprised to discover that the oldest bonsai tree in the world is not found in Japan but in Italy.
It was not before 1986 that Luigi Crespi – the founder of the Crespi Bonsai Museum, finally became the owner of the oldest bonsai tree.
Ficus Retusa Linn, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, was first cared for by Chinese masters before Japanese bonsai master Shotaro Kawahara intervened. Since then, Luigi Crespi and Alberto Lavazza have been caring for the fantastic exemplar.
Oldest Bonsai Trees
SANDAI SHOGUN NO MATSU
Named after the Shogun Tagawa Iemitsu, who was the first owner of the incredible five-needle bonsai tree, the Sandai Shogun no Matsu has been passed down from emperor to emperor ever since.
The exhibited collection of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Sandai Shogun no Matsu is more than 500 years old.
Oldest Bonsai Trees
PINO YAMAKI
Surprisingly little was known of the incredible history of the Yamaki pine when it was first donated to the United States by Masaru Yamaki in 1976.
In 2001 that Mr. Yamaki’s grandchildren showed up to view the tree, providing the National Arboretum with invaluable information that revealed the true origin of the spectacular bonsai that survived the Hiroshima atomic bomb attack.
On the 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing in 2015, the National Arboretum honored the history of the Yamaki pine.
Oldest Bonsai Trees
THE PICASSO OF BONSAI
Dan Robinson is suitably called the Picasso of bonsai, as he is not only a dedicated and talented bonsai artist, but he is also one of the pioneers of the art of bonsai.
Profoundly faithful and inspired by traditional Japanese bonsai techniques, Dan Robinson shares his respect for living nature by further spreading bonsai knowledge worldwide.
PROTECTOR OF SPIRITS
One of the pioneers of spreading bonsai knowledge to the world – John Y. Naka, began cultivating what was about to become a masterpiece known as “Goshin” (translated into “Protector of Spirits “) in 1948.
To complete the admirable art of bonsai, John Naka used 11 different trees.
In 1984, The National Bonsai Foundation of the United States continued its mission to melt all the boundaries between bonsai and the world.
Oldest Bonsai Trees
RED PINE BONSAI
An unusual example in the list of the ten best bonsai trees globally is found in the Akao Herb and Rose Garden. The Red Pine bonsai is one of the oldest, over 600 years old.
Despite its impressive size at 30 feet wide and 16 feet tall, it qualifies as a bonsai as it is contained within a pot and proudly displayed to spread the fame and beauty of bonsai further.
THE 1000-YEAR-OLD BONSAI TREE COLLECTED IN THE WILDS OF JAPAN
In the Maine-en nursery (one of the six bonsai gardens that together create the Omiya Bonsai Village) resides an ancient juniper tree harvested from the forests. Owned by the Kato family, the Mainsei-en nursery was officially opened in 1925.
Oldest Bonsai Trees
ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER
Walter Pall is the mastermind of the Rocky Mountain Juniper bonsai, who won the most prestigious Crespi Cup award.
Praised for his dramatic bonsai masterpieces, Walter Pall indulges in bonsai for fun and not for commercial purposes. Sometimes refuses to be called a bonsai boss.
Oldest Bonsai Trees
WISTERIA BONSAI TREES
Flowering wisteria trees have an extraordinary place in Japanese culture. From the traditional dance of wisteria flowers through the fascinating tunnel of wisteria flowers. The fusion of the beauty of wisteria trees with the art of bonsai creates nothing less than surreal pieces of art.
Conclusion
The 10 oldest bonsai trees in the world are more than just botanical wonders—they are living pieces of history and artistry. These ancient trees symbolize patience, care, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. From the revered 1,000-year-old Ficus bonsai in Italy to Japan’s cherished “Sandai Shogun no Matsu,” each tree tells a story of resilience and tradition.
Their remarkable longevity reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural and natural treasures. For bonsai enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, these masterpieces inspire awe and a deeper appreciation for the art of bonsai cultivation. Dive into the world of these ancient trees, and discover how they continue to captivate generations with their enduring beauty.