Japan Airlines (JAL) is selling a washi paper art bonsai specially created by bonsai artist Daisuke Mariko through its online inflight shopping service, “In-Flight Shopping at Home.”
The product is named “JUME BONSAI Takumi-kei –SHOKEI– ‘Genchitose’ JAL EXCLUSIVE.” The piece measures approximately 59 centimeters high, 55 centimeters wide, and 49 centimeters deep. It is made from resin clay, plaster clay, iron wire, aluminum wire, copper wire, wood, ceramics, and Japanese washi paper. It requires no watering or pruning and can be enjoyed for years.
The work’s name, “Genchitose,” combines “kuro” (gen), referring to the black of the Japanese black pine, with “chitose,” meaning a thousand years and expressing wishes for longevity and safe travel. It embodies JAL’s theme of “timeless reassurance and heartfelt hospitality that stays close to customers.”
The tree is styled as a “moyogi,” or informal upright style, regarded as a classic form of bonsai, and uses Japanese black pine, a symbol of strength. The material selected by working backward from the desired expression of the trunk’s bark is Tosa washi, one of Japan’s three major types of washi paper. Although only 0.03 millimeters thick, it can depict the uneven texture and layers of bark, as well as the shadows created when light falls on it. The pot is handmade by Seio Hisada (artist’s seal: Kazan), a master of Tokoname ware.
The sales period runs from September 1 through October 31. Limited to one piece, it is priced at 1.5 million yen, including tax. Delivery is expected approximately one month after application.
Mariko was born in Tokyo. Born as the eldest son of the direct main family line, which has continued for 425 years, he succeeded as the third-generation head of Mariko Bonsai Garden. He holds Japan’s highest total number of awards, with 88 accolades including the Prime Minister’s Award. Through his new brand, “JUME BONSAI,” he is exploring a new form of expression combining bonsai and washi paper.
“In-Flight Shopping at Home” is JAL’s online inflight shopping service exclusively for passengers on its international and domestic flights. Passengers who preregister using the onboard Wi-Fi during their flight can make purchases for four days, including the day of travel.
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