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History of Bonsai
First origin
Bonsai first appeared in China over a
thousand years ago, where it was the
practice of growing single specimen trees
in pots because it was considered as an
expression of the harmony between heaven
and earth, man and nature. These early
specimens displayed sparse foliage and
rugged, gnarled trunks that often looked
like animals, dragons and birds. Through
growing a bonsai plant a person
experiences a new rhythm of the seasons,
and nurtures within him the power of
creativity as he shapes and miniaturizes
his trees. No doubt, cultivating a bonsai
tree requires some care and attention,
but as a reward it brings tranquility to
the mind, a feeling of being refreshed
and, inner peace.
Travel to Japan
Many years later with Japan's adoption of
many cultural trademarks of China -
bonsai was also taken up. Once bonsai was
introduced into Japan, the art was
refined to an extent not yet approached
in China. The word bonsai also is
actually taken from a Japanese word
‘pun-sai’ which means a tree
planted in a container without any
landscape. But over time, the simple
trees were not just confined to the
Buddhist monks and their monasteries, but
were also introduced to be representative
of the aristocracy, a symbol of prestige
and honor. For the Japanese, bonsai
represented a fusion of strong ancient
beliefs with the Eastern philosophies of
the harmony between man, the soul and
nature. The ‘Japanese elite’
also brought bonsai indoors for display
at special times.
Evolution as an art form
Over time, bonsai began to take on
different styles. Finally, in the
mid-19th century, Japan opened itself up
to the rest of the world. Word soon
spread from travelers who visited Japan
of the miniature trees in ceramic
containers which mimicked aged, mature,
tall trees in nature. Due to this
phenomenal upsurge in the demand for
bonsai, the now widely expanding industry
and lack of naturally-forming, stunted
plants led to the commercial production
of bonsai by artists through training
young plants to grow to look like bonsai.
Several basic styles were adopted, and
artists made use of wire, bamboo skewers
and growing techniques to do this -
allowing the art to evolve even further.
The Japanese learnt to capitalize on the
interest in this art form very quickly -
opening up nurseries dedicated solely to
grow, train and then export bonsai trees.
Different plants were now being used to
cater for worldwide climates and to
produce neater foliage and more suitable
growth habits
Importance as of today
In Japan today, bonsai are highly
regarded as a symbol of their culture and
ideals. The New Year is not complete
unless the tokonoma - the special niche
in every Japanese home used for the
display of ornaments and prized
possessions - is filled with a blossoming
apricot or plum tree. Bonsai is no longer
reserved for the upper class, but is a
joy shared by executive and factory
worker alike. These complex plants are no
longer permanently reserved for outdoor
display but have become an important part
of the life of all by being displayed on
specially designed shelves.
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