For many years, Daizo Iwasaki was known as Japan’s premier bonsai collector. He maintained over 1,000 trees at his beautiful estate, Takasago-an, outside of Takamatsu in Shikoku, Japan. Just ahead of the 2011 ASPAC Bonsai and Suiseki Convention, Mr. Iwasaki passed away. His garden and bonsai collection remain as testaments to the trees he loved. Here are some views of his garden from my visit last year.
White pine
Koi pond
Shimpaku – over 1,000 years old
From the plaque: This tree was collected Tateishi Mountain in Tokushima Prefecture. Mr. Iwasaki obtained this from Kito village among the Mountains of Tokushima Prefecture. This is a Precious old tree the age of more than 1000 years old.
The most expensive object in the garden
Iwasaki residence
Stone
Lantern
Pine
Dry creek
Stone
White pine
Yew – around 1,000 years old
Stone
Black pine
Princess persimmon
Osmanthus – around 800 years old
Not much left of the trunk
From the plaque: Mr. Iwasaki gave this old tree from a billage headman lived in Takeda-shi in Oita Prefecture. The age of this tree is about 800 years.
White pine
Pine
Takasago-an
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bonsaiprelude says
Hey Jonas,
The series you’ve been working on lately has some really great pictures. keep ’em coming!
John Weathers says
I think the trees are beautiful. But, since apparently they have been put back into the ground to grow can they be considered bonsai?
On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 6:01 AM, Bonsai Tonight
Phil Lanceley says
Stunning!!!!
Jose Luis says
Jonas,
Most of the collection in Takasago An has been sold. The future of the garden is also uncertain. I hope they keep it as is.
On another note, before Mr. Iwasaki’s passing, he published a two volume set featuring his prized bonsai. The was his second publication.
Regards,
Jose Luis
Jonas Dupuich says
Wow – thanks for the update Jose Luis.