Prize-winning black pine at 35th Taikan-ten

What kind of trees win prizes at prestigious Japanese exhibits like Taikan-ten? Trees like the black pine below.

Black pine

This tree took top honors at this year’s Taikan-ten. The work is by Masahiko Kimura. What makes the tree special? Great health, great trunk and bark, great branch development and great balance in terms of foliage density and artistic design. Bill Valavanis predicted this tree would win upon seeing it in Kimura’s garden just before the exhibit (see more from Bill’s visit to Taikan-ten at “Autumn Japan Bonsai Exploration part 4“). No surprise – it’s an impressive bonsai.

Trunk detail

Branch pads

As you can see from the side view below, the tree looks full from all directions.

View from the left side

Here’s the tree with stand and accent as displayed at the exhibit.

Prize-winning pine as displayed at 35th Taikan-ten