Provenance: Japan;
Container: Wallsall Ceramic Container;
Source: Imported.

Height: 60cm;
Nebari: 24cm;
Style: Moyogi;

This Arakawa Japanese maple is a tree with remarkable character and history. Sourced from Poland, it became part of my collection in 2019 with the help of my friend Bartek (@bonsaihygge), who assisted me in finding a specimen that aligned with my long-standing fascination for the Arakawa variety. Ever since I began practicing bonsai, I was drawn to Arakawa maples for their distinctive cork-bark texture and the sense of age and dignity they naturally convey. Although I believe this tree originally began its life as a Japanese import, it had been cultivated in Poland for many years before finding its way to me.

Standing at 60 cm, the tree’s rugged bark, mature branching structure, and elegant winter silhouette showcase both age and refinement. The nebari spreads to 24 cm, giving the tree a grounded, powerful base that supports its expressive movement and natural flow. While its exact age is difficult to determine, the tree likely carries around 40 years of development, much of which is evident in its deeply fissured bark and the quiet gravitas it presents. It is currently planted in a Wallsall container, whose understated form and dark tone complement the tree’s rustic texture and moss-covered surface. This Arakawa continues to evolve season after season, and it remains one of the most personally meaningful pieces in my collection.