The History Of The Bonsai Tree
Matt Shupe
Everybody has heard of the Bonsai tree but very few people know
anything about the history of the miniature shrub or where the
tradition came from.
Bonsai is a Japanese term which, in its native language,
translates to mean “tray gardening”. This term describes
exactly what bonsai is as it is a tree which is grown in a
small pot or tub enabling it to be kept indoors. These trees
are not always genetically predisposed to be small and so they
are kept this way through careful pruning. The ability to care
for a bonsai tree, keeping it small and healthy, is an art form
in itself. The trees are commonly pruned in to an aesthetically
pleasing shape, another reason why they are seen as works of
art and not just as plants.
The term bonsai is widely known and understood and yet the art
was originally found in China, by the name of penjing. The
Japanese art of bonsai stemmed from this and so is actually
more modern than the Chinese. However, the Japanese version is
the one which is more widely known.
Discoveries have been made in Egyptian tombs of sketches
showing miniature trees in pots. These are thought to have been
kept for decorative purposes and the pictures date back to 4000
years ago! After this time there is evidence to suggest that
trees were transported in the caravans of Asia as they
traveled around as they were used for their medicinal
properties should someone have fallen ill.
The art of bonsai as we know it stems from the Chinese art of
penjing, which is a 2000 year old tradition. It was brought to
Japan somewhere between the 7th – 9th centuries by the Imperial
Embassies to Tang China. Initially it was enjoyed only by the
nobility and was not a hobby which was enjoyed by the masses.
However, over time it began to filter down through the social
hierarchy and became something which much of the population
enjoyed.
The practice of pruning and shaping miniature trees is still in
place in both China and Japan. However, the Chinese tend to keep
them for outdoor displays and so, although still smaller than
normal trees, they are somewhat larger than the Japanese
versions, who create the pieces of art to be displayed
primarily in the home.
For anyone considering turning their hand to this hobby, it is
well worth reading up on the subject beforehand as the trees
require careful nurturing. It is not just the leaves which
require trimming, the roots need to be tended to also and the
amount of water they require is practically an art form in
itself. Information on this is widely available on the
Internet, meaning that anyone serious about trying this should
be able to do so successfully.
About The Author: The author is a regular contributor to Best
Bonsai Supply
http://www.bestbonsaisupply.com where more
information about bonsai trees, plants, pots and other bonsai
supplies is freely available.
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