Bonsai is the oriental art of creating miniature versions of nature’s wondrous trees; it is the reproduction, on a small scale, not only of the dwarf trees of the mountains but also of the giant trees of the forests.
In ancient China naturally dwarf trees were collected from mountainous areas and revered throughout the country. The trees were potted in beautiful, highly decorated containers and enjoyed as “artistic pot plants”, as they were then called. It is thought that little else was done to the trees to keep them alive other than attending to their basic horticultural needs. These “artistic pot plants” were kept behind palace walls for the ruling classes.
Over the centuries much of China’s culture was sent to Japan. The Japanese absorbed and refined this culture, which included elements of religion, government, architecture, and the “artistic pot plants” were sent to Japan as a gift for the aristocracy. These plants might have remained behind palace walls had not Chinese monks introduced them to the public as they taught Zen Buddhism to the common people. The miniature trees were ideal teachers of philosophical principles concerning the harmony of nature, man’s place in the universe, and the harmonious blending of heaven, earth and man. From this beginning, bonsai emerged as the horticultural art form we practice and study today.
Unlike the wealthy man, the common man could not travel to the mountains to collect trees. He had to rely on whatever was easily obtained, the trees and seedlings near his home or at the outskirts of his town or village. To these young trees he collected, he began to apply what he had seen nature do to trees over the years. He observed the wonder of nature that created strong, old trees, sometimes showing beauty, often dignity and character, and always the ability to survive.
The people, who first saw the wonder of dwarf trees, soon began to establish the elementary guidelines of what would become sophisticated horticultural art form. From that time on, the art of bonsai would be continually studied and expanded by its masters and their followers.
Bonsai, as we know it today, evolved from its Chinese origins into an art form that produced smaller, more refined trees. Chinese gardens were loose, free, and expansive. Their “artistic pot plants” reflected that horticultural approach. On the other hand, Japanese gardening was more precise, contained, and refined. Moreover, because the space for living and the time for gardening for ordinary Japanese were limited, their tree design and container became smaller and more refined. In Japan, the tokonoma, a small ceremonial alcove, became an important part of every home. Trees were brought into the house and placed in the tokonoma for short period of time.
In the past, as now, the primary concern was to keep the trees alive and healthy after they were root pruned and planted in shallow pots. The development of the tree design and style would evolved slowly, but from early on, the trees that were used were small and young, and the artistic goals was to create the illusion of an old tree with strength and character.
Stories are told of trees being passed down from generation to generation, a tradition recognizing man’s imperfections and humble reverence for nature. A single man would not presume to think he had perfected or completed the development of a tree in a single lifetime. The study of bonsai derives from teachings of generations of masters who have spent their lives acquiring horticultural knowledge as it merged with the art of designing miniature trees.
Today the artistry and technology of bonsai are universal. With the spread of bonsai throughout the world, many species of trees from many countries have become proper subjects for bonsai. Bonsai belongs to everyone.
As you approach the study of bonsai, know that you and your trees will change. You will bring your own feelings and artistry to bonsai. The goal of your first venture into bonsai should be to learn techniques of the art, hand on, step by step, tree by tree. Strive always for the harmony of heart, mind and hands.
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History of Bonsai
In ancient China naturally dwarf trees were collected from mountainous areas and revered throughout the country. The trees were potted in beautiful, highly decorated containers and enjoyed as “artistic pot plants”, as they were then called. It is thought that little else was done to the trees to keep them alive other than attending to their basic horticultural needs. These “artistic pot plants” were kept behind palace walls for the ruling classes.
Over the centuries much of China’s culture was sent to Japan. The Japanese absorbed and refined this culture, which included elements of religion, government, architecture, and the “artistic pot plants” were sent to Japan as a gift for the aristocracy. These plants might have remained behind palace walls had not Chinese monks introduced them to the public as they taught Zen Buddhism to the common people. The miniature trees were ideal teachers of philosophical principles concerning the harmony of nature, man’s place in the universe, and the harmonious blending of heaven, earth and man. From this beginning, bonsai emerged as the horticultural art form we practice and study today.
Unlike the wealthy man, the common man could not travel to the mountains to collect trees. He had to rely on whatever was easily obtained, the trees and seedlings near his home or at the outskirts of his town or village. To these young trees he collected, he began to apply what he had seen nature do to trees over the years. He observed the wonder of nature that created strong, old trees, sometimes showing beauty, often dignity and character, and always the ability to survive.
The people, who first saw the wonder of dwarf trees, soon began to establish the elementary guidelines of what would become sophisticated horticultural art form. From that time on, the art of bonsai would be continually studied and expanded by its masters and their followers.
Bonsai, as we know it today, evolved from its Chinese origins into an art form that produced smaller, more refined trees. Chinese gardens were loose, free, and expansive. Their “artistic pot plants” reflected that horticultural approach. On the other hand, Japanese gardening was more precise, contained, and refined. Moreover, because the space for living and the time for gardening for ordinary Japanese were limited, their tree design and container became smaller and more refined. In Japan, the tokonoma, a small ceremonial alcove, became an important part of every home. Trees were brought into the house and placed in the tokonoma for short period of time.
In the past, as now, the primary concern was to keep the trees alive and healthy after they were root pruned and planted in shallow pots. The development of the tree design and style would evolved slowly, but from early on, the trees that were used were small and young, and the artistic goals was to create the illusion of an old tree with strength and character.
Philosophy of Bonsai
Oriental philosophy and religion taught that the world was ordered yet asymmetrical. The concepts of heaven, earth and man, fitting within triangle, brought peace and harmony to daily life. These concepts formed the basis for many art forms, including bonsai. Nature’s work was not to be copied exactly but to reproduced in miniature. Unlike nature, man does not create big trees, but as in nature, man’s work on his created tree is never complete. Each tree, whether tiny or large, is a unique creation, ever changing.Stories are told of trees being passed down from generation to generation, a tradition recognizing man’s imperfections and humble reverence for nature. A single man would not presume to think he had perfected or completed the development of a tree in a single lifetime. The study of bonsai derives from teachings of generations of masters who have spent their lives acquiring horticultural knowledge as it merged with the art of designing miniature trees.
Today the artistry and technology of bonsai are universal. With the spread of bonsai throughout the world, many species of trees from many countries have become proper subjects for bonsai. Bonsai belongs to everyone.
As you approach the study of bonsai, know that you and your trees will change. You will bring your own feelings and artistry to bonsai. The goal of your first venture into bonsai should be to learn techniques of the art, hand on, step by step, tree by tree. Strive always for the harmony of heart, mind and hands.
I'm interesting about bonsai and it's a good presentation to me...
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