35-Year-Old Japanese Black Pine Bonsai – Grown by Gerald Rainville, Styled by Peter Olson
Started from seed in 1988 by Gerald Rainville, this tree represents over three decades of patient training and growth. In spring 2025, it underwent its first styling by bonsai artist Peter Olson, setting the framework for future refinement while preserving the tree’s natural power and elegance.
With aged, plated bark, a strong trunk base, and a classic upright silhouette, this pine already exudes maturity. Dense needle clusters and tiered branching give it immediate presence, while still offering room for further artistic development.
Why This Tree Matters
- Grown by Gerald Rainville: Seed-started in 1988 and cultivated with decades of care—rare provenance you can’t easily find.
- Styled by Peter Olson: First styling in 2025 refined the silhouette and opened structure for future work.
- True Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii): A cornerstone species prized for rugged bark, vigor, and long-term refinement potential.
- 35 Years of Age: Authentic bark texture, trunk character, and presence that only time can create.
- Collector’s Grade: A unique blend of Rainville’s growing legacy and Olson’s artistry.
Tree Details
- Species: Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)
- Age: 35 years (seed-grown in 1988)
- Artist: Peter Olson (first styling spring 2025)
- Height: 18.5" (from soil to apex)
- Spread: 21"
- Pot: 13.5" Yixing Ceramic Pot
- Photos: Taken August 14, 2025
- Ships From: Our Massachusetts nursery — the tree you see is the exact tree you will receive
For Serious Collectors Only
This is professional-grade bonsai—rare, refined, and one-of-a-kind. Once sold, it cannot be replaced.
Please Note
- Trees are sold as-is.
- All sales are final — no refunds or exchanges.
- Buyer assumes care responsibility upon pickup or delivery.
Learning Resources and Bonsai Tree Care Guides:
Bonsai trees are not all the same - and neither is their care. Read our specific care sheets for individual bonsai species. Read the Bonsai Care Guides
Shipping Bonsai Trees:
Bonsai trees are generally shipped on Mondays & Tuesdays to avoid having them stay in the boxes for any extra time over the weekends.
Shipping Non-Tree Items
All non-bonsai items such as bonsai pots and bonsai supplies are shipped within 48 hours of receiving payment. Most orders are shipped either the same day or the next day, depending on the time of day the order is received.
Important Guidelines:
** We cannot ship to a FPO, APO, P.O. Box or to locations in Alaska, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii or anywhere internationally.
** All Bonsai are shipped direct from the nursery and may ship separately from other items purchased via the Bonsai Outlet.
** If extreme weather is expected, we may delay shipping your Bonsai tree to guarantee a healthy arrival; in such a case we will contact you. We are shipping living trees and must be conscious of the temperature conditions to the delivery address, as well as, while in transit. That said, we reserve the right to hold the tree(s) to guarantee a healthy delivery. We will Hold Your Tree Until It is Safe to Ship.
