Imperial (60 to 80 Inches, "Eight-hand")

The Imperial "eight hand" size of bonsai trees is one of the largest and most prestigious categories of the Japanese art of miniature tree cultivation. It refers to trees that are between 152 and 203 centimeters (60 to 80 inches) in height, and that require four people to carry them. These trees are often displayed in formal settings, such as palaces, temples, or museums, and represent the power and dignity of the owner. They are also very rare and expensive, as they require decades of careful pruning, wiring, and shaping to achieve the desired aesthetic effect.