Ideal provenance

[Rivian]

Given one and the same tree of quality (or forest, or including pot if you will, etc.), what is your ideal backstory for it? The material being the same, we are purely examining the immaterial, I was thinking provenance. Which past/history of a tree would make it hold the most meaning to you? Personally, I would prefer it having been a sort of gem found by me in the wilderness with great inherent value; seems more appealing than having built it from a garden center stick, even though the latter would imply greater craftsmanship or artistry on my part! Your thoughts?

 

[KateM]

Is it possible to find a potted bonsai tree of great beauty and refinement in the wilderness?

 

[DeepSouth]

The best trees, in terms of personal meaning, are those that I have collected from the various places that I have lived and made memories. These mean more to me than my higher quality trees that I have either purchased or developed over the years.

 

[Wulfskaar]

I think any details would be cool to have, but I think I'd be most interested in:

1. Where it came from: Nursery stock, yamadori, grown from seed.
2. How old it is.
3. When it started bonsai training.
4. Who worked on it.
5. Who owns it now.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I build custom wood furniture as a hobby. I was talking with another guy who bought some raw hardwood from a large tree that they had to take down in Mount Vernon (George Washington's estate). Because the tree was so old, and so much of the wood was decayed, damaged, there was just enough to make two rocking chairs from it. Normally, this guy sells his rocking chairs (made out of the same wood) for $5000 - $7000 depending on customization. Guess what the Mount Vernon chairs sold for?

Provenance matters... but like all things, it matters more to some people than others.

Personally, provenance on bonsai trees doesn't matter much to me... unless I have a personal attachment to it. My most important trees (to me personally) are not my most valuable. I am caring for two trees for my nephew while he is in the Navy, and those two small inexpensive trees are priceless to me.

 

[Rivian]

Personally, provenance on bonsai trees doesn't matter much to me [...] those two small inexpensive trees are priceless to me.

That is absolutely within what I meant by provenance. Had no idea rocking chairs were that expensive
I can also empathize with a tree (or something else for that matter) reminding one of a time and place.
Another thing coming to mind is the "Thing" vs "Thing [Japan]" meme. Or inversely "Tree" vs "Tree [native]"

Is it possible to find a potted bonsai tree of great beauty and refinement in the wilderness?

I didnt mean that, lol. Just that nature styled the tree and it had great inherent value. Great "yamadori" origin.