What is Bonsai?
A word-for-word translation of the Chinese word Penjing is a potted scenery: Pen (pot) jing (scenery).
A word-for-word translation of the Japanese word Bonsai is a potted plant: Bon (pot) sai (culture).
We think an appropriate definition is: A bonsai is a potted tree depicting a miniature landscape in nature as you envision it.
A bonsai is a healthy tree kept miniature by pruning to provide a living canvas for you to create an ideal scenery. The picture will evolve over time to become your family heirloom and can also be a thoughtful gift to remind people of your legacy.
Origin & History of Bonsai
An excellent bonsai history can be found at Wikipedia.
Bonsai began in China, by some accounts as early as during the Han dynasty (202BC), and it was introduced to Japan from China during the Heian period (794-1185), and to the United States and Europe in the 19th century.
Some believe potted plants began much earlier in India where herbal doctors carried a fresh supply of potted herbs.
Others believe bonsai has its origin in Taoism, a Chinese philosophical and religious tradition believing fairies could petrify and miniaturize living objects. Today many Taoist temples, such as the one in Kowloon, have bonsai displays.
Bonsai caught the world’s attention when an extensive collection of bonsai trees was exhibited at the “L’Exposition Universelle” in Paris in 1878. A notable event occurred in 1976 when Japan gave a major bonsai collection to the U.S. in honor of the 200-year anniversary of America’s independence. These trees are now housed at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington DC.
Bonsai is a living art form that connects us to nature, history, and culture. From its ancient origins in China and Japan to its global recognition today, bonsai carries a rich legacy that continues to inspire creativity and mindfulness.
