Description
Juniperus rigida, common name Temple juniper is one of the classic coniferous bonsai subjects in Japan, it has always been, and continues to be increasingly difficult to procure.
The species is native to Japan, Korea and N. China. It was first introduced to the UK by John Veitch in 1861. Like most Juniper species it is usual to see bonsai rigida that feature the three elements of quite extensive deadwood, live veins and healthy green foliage.
This old example has been long established as bonsai in this country and formerly belonged to a local enthusiast forced to give up the hobby due to ill health. As described in the paragraph above this bonsai features nicely created deadwood in the form of both jin and shari, developing live veins and nice healthy dark green foliage. Certainly the branching could be refined to a more defined shape to the improvement of the bonsai. The height is 63cm. with branches spreading to about 70cm. The impressive root flare measures 20cm. at it’s widest and above that the trunk diam. is 8cm. The good quality Chinese glazed rectangular pot measures 43x33x11cm. This is a rare chance to acquire a scarce species that is well established but at the same time has the final shaping of foliage to occupy the new owner.
