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Top 7 Most Expensive Bonsai Trees Ever Sold
The appeal of these exquisite miniature trees lies in their age, craftsmanship, rarity, and artistic value. One of the primary factors contributing to the high cost of certain bonsai trees is their age. Many of the most expensive specimens are ancient trees that have been nurtured and cultivated for decades, if not centuries.
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The time and patience required to grow a bonsai tree to such a level of maturity contribute significantly to its value. The older the tree, the more history and character it carries, making it a prized possession among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Here we would like to share with you the top 7 most expensive bonsai trees ever sold in the market.
7. Sargent Juniper Bonsai Tree ($350K)
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| Credit: Stone Lantern |
The Sargent Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Sargentii') is a highly regarded species in the world of bonsai. Renowned for its elegant, windswept appearance and beautiful foliage, the Sargent Juniper Bonsai Tree has captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Sargent Juniper is a hardy evergreen shrub native to Japan, Korea, and China. Its small, scale-like leaves boast varying shades of green, ranging from deep emeralds to lighter hues. The Taikan-ten Bonsai exhibition in Kyoto stands as one of the largest bonsai celebrations globally. During this event, a remarkable Sargent Juniper bonsai tree was auctioned for an astounding $350,000.
That's not all but the prestigious Prime Minister Award, recognizing the finest bonsai of the year, was bestowed upon this exceptional Sargent Juniper bonsai, adding to its accolades.
6. Five Needle Pine Bonsai ($600K)
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| Credit: Live Japan |
The Five Needle Pine (Pinus parviflora), also known as the Japanese White Pine, is a revered and sought-after species in the world of bonsai. The bonsai is renowned for its graceful appearance, distinctive needle clusters, and beautiful bark.
Native to Japan and South Korea, the Five Needle Pine is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can live for centuries in its natural habitat. In bonsai form, it offers a sense of timeless elegance, making it a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary bonsai designs.
In Japan, a stunning Five Needle Pine bonsai was auctioned for an impressive $600,000. These particular trees are known for their longevity, often lasting hundreds of years, and this particular specimen was estimated to be around 300 years old, living up to the expectations of its breed.
5. Yamaki Pine Bonsai ($1 million)
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| Credit: Open Culture |
Hailing from Japan, the Yamaki Pine Bonsai has an intriguing past that adds to its allure. It is said to have been in the care of the Yamaki family for over 400 years, passing down through generations with utmost care and reverence.
The Yamaki family's lineage is deeply intertwined with the cultivation and preservation of this awe-inspiring bonsai, adding an invaluable legacy to its existence. Due to its profound historical significance and its rarity as a centuries-old living masterpiece, the Yamaki Pine Bonsai has been appraised at an extraordinary value.
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One particular Yamaki Pine bonsai had been transported to the United States back in 1976 by Masaru Yamaki, who presented it as a gift from Japan to commemorate America's bicentennial anniversary. Despite it not being sold yet, some estimate the tree to be worth $1 million.
4. Takamatsu Pine Bonsai ($1.3 million)
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| Credit: Wonderground |
In 2012, the Takamatsu International Bonsai Convention witnessed the sale of another awe-inspiring 800-year-old bonsai. This remarkable Japanese white pine fetched an astounding 100 million Japanese Yen, which was approximately $1.3 million at that time.
The tree's appearance was reminiscent of a mythical primeval forest specimen, boasting a magnificent twisted trunk, gnarled bark, and a lush full canopy. Despite its ancient age and captivating characteristics, the bonsai stood at a humble height of less than a meter.
Japanese white pines, while not recommended for beginners, remain one of the most sought-after choices for bonsai enthusiasts. Their popularity stems from their versatility, as they can be meticulously shaped to embody various bonsai styles, owing to their diverse colors, forms, and sizes.
3. White Pine Bonsai ($1.3 million)
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| Credit: Bonsai Empire |
Known for its striking appearance and elegance, the White Pine Bonsai is carefully cultivated to emulate the grandeur of full-grown pine trees while remaining in miniature form. Its delicate branches, adorned with soft, needle-like leaves, create a captivating image of a majestic tree frozen in time.
At the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Tokyo, Master Kunio Kobayashi proudly showcases an ancient white pine bonsai that is over 800 years old. Regarded as one of the world's most expensive bonsai trees, this extraordinary specimen cost him a staggering $1.3 million to acquire for the museum's prestigious collection.
Kobayashi's dedication to his craft and the art of bonsai is evident through his renowned museum, where this remarkable white pine takes center stage as a testament to the enduring beauty and value of living art.
2. ‘Miyajima’ Japanese White Pine ($1.3 million)
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| Credit: Gardenia |
Named after the iconic Miyajima island in Japan, where it was originally cultivated, this white pine exemplifies the harmonious balance between nature and human craftsmanship. Its striking appearance is characterized by delicate, needle-like foliage arranged in an elegant and intricate pattern.
The graceful branches and refined structure of the 'Miyajima' bonsai evoke a sense of serenity and timelessness. Cultivated and cared for by generations of skilled bonsai artisans, the 'Miyajima' Japanese White Pine embodies the legacy of its caretakers, each leaving a unique mark on its artistic form.
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However, at the 2011 International Bonsai Convention, a remarkable Japanese white pine bonsai tree shattered all previous records when it was sold for a staggering $1.3 million. Renowned bonsai artist Seiji Morimae, well-known for his exceptional skills, had the honor of parting with this exquisite living masterpiece, which found its new home with a Japanese private collector.
1. Juniper Bonsai ($2 million)
The Juniper Bonsai's allure lies not only in its exquisite appearance but also in the inherent symbolism it carries. In various cultures, juniper trees are associated with qualities such as strength, longevity, and spiritual wisdom, further adding to the appeal of these living art pieces.
Back in 1981, a Juniper bonsai was auctioned off for an astounding $2 million, earning it the title of the most expensive bonsai ever to be sold at auction.
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