Introduction
Bonsai is a Japanese word composed of two separate words: “bon” meaning tray or shallow container and “sai” meaning a plant. Today however, “bonsai” has a much broader meaning and is referred to around the world as an art form consisting of dwarfing (physically not genetically) trees, shrubs, or other plants in an aesthetically appealing way that unites both artistry and nature to create miniature trees that symbolize their larger counterparts in nature. This is achieved by growing certain plants in shallow pots or trays and subjecting them to regular pruning and wiring. It is an art form that consist of about 80% artistry and 20% horticulture (the science and art of cultivating plants).
Bonsai is different from most other art forms. Unlike most art forms like painting, wood carving, pottery, sculpting, etc, bonsai creations are constantly growing and changing. As a result, it is an art form that requires great patience, dedication, and improves with expertise. It is an ideal outlet for nature lovers to express their enthusiasm and be part of the natural process.
Warning: Bonsai requires some level of commitment and can be very addicting and often becomes an obsession, however one that is often happily endured by the artist.
Bonsai is different from most other art forms. Unlike most art forms like painting, wood carving, pottery, sculpting, etc, bonsai creations are constantly growing and changing. As a result, it is an art form that requires great patience, dedication, and improves with expertise. It is an ideal outlet for nature lovers to express their enthusiasm and be part of the natural process.
Warning: Bonsai requires some level of commitment and can be very addicting and often becomes an obsession, however one that is often happily endured by the artist.
Brief History
Growing plants and trees in containers can be traced back to ancient Egypt, however bonsai was derived directly from Chinese penjing*. The exact dates of penjing and bonsai creation are unknown, but the first documented evidence of penjing dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China around the year 600. It is understood that by that time the craft was well developed since detailed scrolls were found describing the art form. The earliest-known graphic dates from 706 and was found in a wall mural on a corridor leading to the tomb of Prince Zhang Huai at the Qianling Mausoleum site in 1972.
It is believed that Japan’s first encounters with the art occurred around the 6th century when Buddhist students returning from China brought back miniature landscapes and trees from China. Saigyo Monogatari Emaki was the earliest known scroll to depict dwarfed potted trees in Japan. It dates from 1195, although some sources say this dates from 1250. In the year 1300, Kokan Shiren (master of Chinese Poetry) outlined the aesthetic principles for what would be termed bonsai. For the next five hundred years, bonsai experienced various modifications, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the art of bonsai entered the classical period when a group of Chinese scholars met to discuss bonsai styles. However it wasn’t until after WWII that bonsai became noticed and available to the Western world. Due to the large numbers of bonsai shows in the 20th century, bonsai rapidly modernized and became virally popular amongst enthusiasts in all areas of the world. Today there are hundreds of thousands of bonsai enthusiasts and plant species from all parts of the world are being trained as bonsai. The art form is still spreading and there are over twelve hundred books on bonsai in over twenty six different languages
It is believed that Japan’s first encounters with the art occurred around the 6th century when Buddhist students returning from China brought back miniature landscapes and trees from China. Saigyo Monogatari Emaki was the earliest known scroll to depict dwarfed potted trees in Japan. It dates from 1195, although some sources say this dates from 1250. In the year 1300, Kokan Shiren (master of Chinese Poetry) outlined the aesthetic principles for what would be termed bonsai. For the next five hundred years, bonsai experienced various modifications, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the art of bonsai entered the classical period when a group of Chinese scholars met to discuss bonsai styles. However it wasn’t until after WWII that bonsai became noticed and available to the Western world. Due to the large numbers of bonsai shows in the 20th century, bonsai rapidly modernized and became virally popular amongst enthusiasts in all areas of the world. Today there are hundreds of thousands of bonsai enthusiasts and plant species from all parts of the world are being trained as bonsai. The art form is still spreading and there are over twelve hundred books on bonsai in over twenty six different languages
