One of the most interesting art in the world is bonsai. Bonsai (literally “potted plantâ€) is the art of aesthetic miniaturization of trees by growing them in containers.
Cultivation includes techniques for shaping, watering, and repotting in various styles of containers.
This art originated in China during the Han Dynasty, “bonsai†is a Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word penzai. The word bonsai has been used in the West as an umbrella term for all miniature trees.
The origins of bonsai are believed to have begun at least 4000 years ago during the Han Dynasty in China. It has since developed into new forms in parts of China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
At first, the Japanese used miniaturized trees grown in containers to decorate their homes and gardens. During the Tokugawa Period, landscape gardening attained new importance.
Cultivation of plants such as azalea and maples became a pastime of the wealthy. Growing dwarf plants in containers was also popular. At this time, the term for dwarf potted trees was “a tree in a potâ€,.
The oldest known living bonsai trees are in the collection at Happo-en (a private garden and exclusive restaurant) in Tokyo, Japan, where bonsais are between 400 to 800 years old.
Check the ten most common styles of bonsai here.
