Meet Bob Mahler, Japanese-Trained Bonsai Artist

Robert “Bob” Mahler discovered his passion for bonsai at an early age. By fifteen, he was already apprenticing under accomplished bonsai artist Chase Rosade at Rosade Bonsai Studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania. That early dedication led him to Tochigi-Ken, Japan, where he spent four years studying under the exclusive direction of internationally recognized bonsai master Susumu Sudo.

Following his return to the United States in 1994, Bob served for eleven years as Curator of Bonsai at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where he helped care for and shape one of the country’s most respected public bonsai collections.

In 2017, Bob founded Kifu Bonsai, where he continues to work with collectors, students, and horticultural organizations. He currently serves as Vice President of the Pennsylvania Bonsai Society.

Bob’s work reflects a deep appreciation for both classical Japanese bonsai tradition and the unique character of each tree. His personal favorites include Japanese White Pines, Satsuki Azaleas, and Japanese Flowering Apricots.

Bob resides in a small farming community north of Philadelphia with his wife, Jesseca, and their dogs.

Collection Maintenance

Interested in on-location collection maintenance? Need design assistance or have questions about bonsai health? If it has to do with bonsai, Bob can help.