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