Bonsai are highly prized. This is something we’ve made clear from the outset. With this in mind, you can imagine that they are very popular plants, especially in Japan. Many people appreciate their longevity, beauty and uniqueness, in addition to the efforts that must be made in caring for these small trees to ensure they are always seen at their healthiest best. With so many admirers, you can imagine that sometimes anything goes to get hold of them, especially those that are more valuable and have a place on the black market. Yes, we are talking about illegal procedures. We present to you the most high-profile bonsai thefts!
What do you think are the most publicized bonsai thefts?
- Japan: We are talking specifically about the year 2019, a time of tragedy for the Limura family, passionate about the cultivation and care of bonsai trees. You probably think that this could never have happened in the country of their birth, with such a hard-working and disciplined society, but it did actually occur. This family experienced a major robbery. The most notable theft was that of a more than 400 year-old Shimpaku, worth more than 90,000 euros. All the efforts of several generations were obliterated. They never recovered. Such thefts are more common than you might think in the land of the rising sun. On an anecdotal level, it must be said that the members of this family asked only that the thieves were capable of giving the trees the care they needed. More specifically, that this type of stolen bonsai cannot go without water for more than a week. They received support from society and from many of those dedicated to taking the utmost care of these plants.
- Washington: This is another of the most widely known bonsai thefts. It took place in 2020 at the Pacific Bonsai Museum in the US capital. A larceny in which thieves stole a Japanese Black Pine and a Silverberry, both of great value. In fact, museum officials pointed out that both trees had been looked after for more than 70 years and that -if they suddenly stopped receiving everything they needed- they would quickly die. It is also worth noting that one of the stolen bonsai had been donated to the museum by the family of a World War II veteran.
- Spain: This bonsai theft is not widely known, but it was a curious one and serves to demonstrate that these trees are also appreciated in our country. They were stolen earlier this year by an individual at Celler Can Roca, in Girona. Four trees were taken, each valued at around 500 euros. It was not a very well-organised robbery and, in fact, the man was promptly arrested.
Remember that at Zoka we have bonsai fertilisers for you with the perfect composition for your tree to grow beautifully and healthily. Don’t let anyone steal it from you! You know that some people are targeting them.