Things People Must Know About - part 1
What is bonsai? That’s what most people ask every time they hear the term “bonsai”. So for the beginners of this horticultural favorite, there is only one characteristic that you should note about it – it is a miniature plant grown in containers but cared and respected as a form of art. What makes it a form of art simply lies on the fact that unlike the other plants you can imagine, the bonsai are grown and formed to look like a naturally and century-old looking tree, but in its smallest form. Bonsai, although a unique horticultural art form, can be developed either from cuttings, or through seeds. There are, however, some growers who develop bonsai from existing young trees or from those diminutive trees that are taken from the woods and forests. For these plants to be called a bonsai, they should be planted and transferred into a pot or container. It is worthy to note that the transfer of the plants or seeds into the pot is what holds the very core of bonsai planting. It is patterned simply from the fact that the term “bon” means pot or tray, while “sai” stands for tree or plant. The Origin of Bonsai According to several researches and reports, the history of bonsai can be traced back as far as 200 AD when the Chinese started growing a single specimen of trees in pots which they call as pun-sai. These early samples of the miniature trees that we now call as bonsai displayed thin and rugged trunks that are shaped like birds and dragons. These trees are so popular among the elites during the Han dynasty, as one research contends, as the trees were used as a form of luxurious gifts. It was then distributed throughout China in such form and was later brought to Japan and other countries in Asia for several purposes. The coming of bonsai to Japan is what primarily allows the plant to grow in popularity. It was brought to the island during the Heian period (794-1191) by the Buddhist monks. Just like in the China, the plant had gained name here when many Japanese from wealthy families started practicing the art of tray planting. It was because of this situation actually that bonsai was known in the Japan as the privilege for the nobleman. Nevertheless, it was also this situation that caused bonsai to almost die out since the privilege was only provided and limited for the noble class. From almost dying out, bonsai was again appreciated even by the masses in Japan when the country was invaded by the Chinese. Through this invasion, the art of bonsai started to grow in fame until it was accepted and established in Japan as part of their culture. Japanese, from all walks of life, then began appreciating everything that bonsai has to offer, and this is what allows certain refinements to come out. Yes, this originally Chinese art was refined by Japanese masters, until it conquers the West. Bonsai was first made known to the West when these miniature trees were exhibited as part of the Third Universal Exhibition in Paris. This exhibition was held in 1878 and was later revived in 1889 through 1909 when the bonsai was brought to London and shown on a newly developed exhibition. It was during these years that the miniature trees were viewed by westerners as the tortured pieces. Many, in fact, voiced out their own displeasures to those who developed the trees. This misconception continued for years until 1935 when the art was completely accepted in the West. The art of tray planting was further made popular by the coming of the World War II. The soldiers during this time were the ones who accepted and practiced the art, allowing it to persist and grow until these days. The bonsai of today is distributed and marketed in different areas in the West that you can find them at department store, nurseries, garden establishments, and other places. It is important to know though that the bonsai you can find in such establishments today are simply cuttings of the true bonsai developed by its masters. These products are only sold as a starting point for those who wish to begin with the art. As a result, it is important for every amateur to know not only the history and nature of bonsai, but also some more aspects associated with it. These aspects may include the types, the styles, the aesthetics, and the proper maintenance and care of the miniature trees. |
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