Millions of people around the world are hooked on growing and collecting bonsai trees. Bonsai is considered as an art by many. The word “bonsai” literally means “bon planted” where “bon” is the pot used in bonsai culture. Plant lovers have absorbed themselves in this and have even progressed into making this as a hobby. Techniques for bonsai cultivation have developed throughout the years, including the practice of shaping and repotting in stylish containers. Because of its popularity are numerous myths and legends surrounding the history of bonsai growing.
This aesthetic means of tree miniaturization has a very interesting history. Bonsai is said to have made its first appearance more than a thousand of years ago in China. It is said that there were many people practicing the art of growing miniature trees in pots. In China, Bonsai was known as pun-sai. The Chinese people claim that bonsai came from their people’s imagination. The imaginary pictures of fiery and fierce dragons, as well as coiled and hissing serpents have given way to the creation of trunks in animal forms and root patterns.
The Chinese people introduced the art of bonsai to the Japanese during the Kamakura period, during the period 1185 to 1333 through Zen Buddhism. Although no one can tell when exactly Bonsai was taken up in Japan. Experts claim that a Japanese scroll dated as far back as 1195AD refers to the art of Bonsai. The Japanese people fully embraced the art and very quickly surpassed the techniques of the Chinese. Soon enough, these bonsai trees were displayed not only in the monasteries of Buddhist monks but also offered to aristocrats who viewed them as a symbol of nobility and prestige. For Japanese individuals Bonsai represents a union between ancient beliefs and Eastern values and philosophies concerning man, nature and soul harmony.
During the Kamakura period people strongly believed that growing these dwarfed trees in containers was a completely accepted upper class practice. Moving forward to the fourteenth century bonsai was perceived as an exceedingly refined art. Japanese elites and leaders started displaying bonsai in their most decorative shelves inside their houses instead of just placing them outside. At this time, trees were still taken from the wild and pruning techniques remained undeveloped. When the 17th and 18th Century came, the Japanese reached the peak of their love for arts and this brought about the further evolution of bonsai trees, though people still used containers which are deeper than those being used at present. Bonsai maintenance was done through the removal of parts leaving only the important ones. Since then, small trees were on a high demand and established the great tradition and culture of Japan.
As with any popular past-time different styles emerged. Bonsai artists began to include other elements such as accent plants, rocks, small buildings and even statues of people. This was known as bon-kei. Miniature landscapes or sai-kei were also developed. In the 19th Century people who traveled from Japan spread the word about this art. This led to a greater understanding of the practice in western countries and it wasn’t long before Bonsai exhibitions starting appearing in different parts of the world.
Today, the Japanese highly regard bonsai as an emblem for their important culture and ideals. Not only those people in the upper class in Japan can enjoy the sights of bonsai trees in their homes but anyone in the world who appreciates the true beauty of nature.
This aesthetic means of tree miniaturization has a very interesting history. Bonsai is said to have made its first appearance more than a thousand of years ago in China. It is said that there were many people practicing the art of growing miniature trees in pots. In China, Bonsai was known as pun-sai. The Chinese people claim that bonsai came from their people’s imagination. The imaginary pictures of fiery and fierce dragons, as well as coiled and hissing serpents have given way to the creation of trunks in animal forms and root patterns.
During the Kamakura period people strongly believed that growing these dwarfed trees in containers was a completely accepted upper class practice. Moving forward to the fourteenth century bonsai was perceived as an exceedingly refined art. Japanese elites and leaders started displaying bonsai in their most decorative shelves inside their houses instead of just placing them outside. At this time, trees were still taken from the wild and pruning techniques remained undeveloped. When the 17th and 18th Century came, the Japanese reached the peak of their love for arts and this brought about the further evolution of bonsai trees, though people still used containers which are deeper than those being used at present. Bonsai maintenance was done through the removal of parts leaving only the important ones. Since then, small trees were on a high demand and established the great tradition and culture of Japan.
As with any popular past-time different styles emerged. Bonsai artists began to include other elements such as accent plants, rocks, small buildings and even statues of people. This was known as bon-kei. Miniature landscapes or sai-kei were also developed. In the 19th Century people who traveled from Japan spread the word about this art. This led to a greater understanding of the practice in western countries and it wasn’t long before Bonsai exhibitions starting appearing in different parts of the world.
Today, the Japanese highly regard bonsai as an emblem for their important culture and ideals. Not only those people in the upper class in Japan can enjoy the sights of bonsai trees in their homes but anyone in the world who appreciates the true beauty of nature.