Head it back next spring. That will force more buds than any other time. If it has visible buds down low it should push several branches next spring. The number will depend on vigor of the tree. If you don't get enough next spring cut it off again the following spring. On a potted tree you don't need many. Should get those next year.

"Never prune for the sake of pruning" is very good advice. Growth is measured as an increase in mass. Often, branches might be extending, but the plant really isn't growing because the plant might be shedding parts at the same rate it's adding new growth. When you remove photosynthesizing surface (leaves and young green branches) you reduce the growth rate; so it's better to leave branches and foliage on as long as possible, removing them when your plant has grown to a satisfactory size and you want to start refining it's shape. Once you get to that phase and start pruning, you can expect growth to slow considerably - true of all plants. In bonsai, we often have what you might consider to be 2 plants in 1. We have selected and are training branches in strategic locations on the tree, while other branches might be sticking out at odd angles and be bent into strange positions to allow light to the important branches. We use the branches that will later be used to fatten certain parts of the tree and to pull energy away from the branches we WILL be using so the leaves grow smaller and internodes shorter. Understanding how to manipulate plants and bend them to your will, adds a whole new dimension to caring for plants, so much so that I no longer have interest in growing anything for the simple sake of just growing it. If a plant doesn't lend itself to being manipulated into something that is different and appealing to the eye, it holds little interest for me; and whenever I prune you can bet I'm looking at the plant as it will be well into the future. IOW, I always have a plan. What I said was offered only as food for thought, and to reinforce the idea that there can be much more to growing than just watching plants grow. Al

Mike121, I like that insight and I agree. Over time several trees we planted when we moved here have seen damage from harsh weather. I never consider replacing them, preferring to appreciate their imperfections as signs of survival. But when we were cleaning up after this last storm I was struck by the beauty of those big branches and couldn't bring myself to just toss them in the woods. I haven't begun Christmas decorating yet - still emptying boxes from our garage from our move back home after a remodel and cleaning up behind 2 wks. of house guests. But I'm keeping the limbs covered from the elements and still hope to come up with an idea.

but I know I don't want a big lollipop beginning at six feet! ...... what sort of shape will the tree develop into? ====>>>> what shape do you want?? ... set a goal.. and work towards it ... you told us what you dont want.. tell us what you do want ... here is how you look at them.. when they arent around: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Chinese+Pistache&t=ffcm&ia=images&iax=images your red marks are not in proper pruning places.. i presume that the marks are just to get your point across ... the tree will develop in tree time .... and pruning for the ages.. takes a long time ... you just have to have faith .. that if you remove what you dont like ... that the tree will evolve into a more natural shape.. that will please you.. and if it doesnt .... you keep guiding it ... do you know all about pruning.. and what a good pruning saw is.. etc??? ken