Bonsai Trees
The Japanese art of growing and shaping miniture trees.
They represent the idea of a perfect balance between nature and art, representing how people can attain peace within themselves. As bonsai trees are kept small through very careful pruning, they also represent a life-long commitment of patience and dedication to a task.
Learn 50 interesting facts on Bonsai trees here
Origin
The art of bonsai originated in China around 200 BC and arrived in Japan 1,000 years later. It was introduced to the United States in 1876.The word "bonsai" translates to "planted in a container" in Japanese. Bonsai trees are not genetically dwarfed plants; they are regular trees that are meticulously pruned and shaped to maintain their small size. Bonsai trees can live for hundreds of years if properly cared for.
Size
The smallest bonsai trees can fit in the palm of your hand. The oldest known bonsai tree is over 1,000 years old and is located in Italy's Crespi Bonsai Museum.
Symbolism
Bonsai trees are often given as gifts and are considered symbols of peace, harmony, and balance.The foundation of bonsai is based on the philosophy of Zen Buddhism.
🍃An interesting fact you might not have known🍃
Bonsai actually started in China, Not Japan
When people think of bonsai they instantly think of Japan, which is completely wrong because the word bonsai is the Japanese take on the art so technically bonsai is Japanese. But Technically Technically its not. Confusing right? If we look at bonsai a little more simple we can see it as a tree in a pot, The original art of planting miniature trees in pots was started in China as Penjing. Penjing consists of landscape plantings usually featuring things like figurines and planted rocks. Penjing trees are a little more natural as well normally practised with the clip and grow method which just involves pruning the tree but not actually physically shaping it. When the Japanese took on this art they practised it slightly different and gave it a Japanese name which was Bonsai. Bonsai simply means tray planting. But when the Japanese started to style their trees they created their own techniques. This involves things like shaping trees with bonsai wire, carving trunks, making deadwood ( jin and shari ) and they also some what created some basic styles that we still follow to this day.