The History of Bonsai
The definition of the term "Bonsai" is a plant, usually a tree or shrub, that is grown in a container and made to look like a mature tree through the use of various training techniques. The plant usually does not exceed 1 meter in height. The art of bonsai as we know it, traces back almost 2000 yrs. The word 'bonsai' is made up of 2 Japanese characters or word phrases, "bon" & "sai." "Bon" is the pot, tray or container; the "sai" is the tree or potted planting. The original word Bonsai comes from the Chinese word "P'en Tsai" which sounds similar to bonsai and has nearly the same meaning. The essence of classical Bonsai is to produce a healthy miniature representation of a tree.
The art spread from China eastward to Korea, then finally Japan where it’s best known. Buddhist monks are responsible for much of the cultivation and popularity of the art of bonsai. The pots or trays that are involved in bonsai are as important as the trees themselves. In bonsai, the pot and the tree are as one. In Japan today, bonsai are highly regarded as a symbol of their culture and ideals. The New Year is not complete unless the tokonoma (the special niche in every Japanese home used for the display of ornaments and prized possessions) is filled with a blossoming apricot or plum tree. Bonsai is no longer reserved for the upper-class, but is enjoyed by everyone.
The evolution of bonsai over the past two centuries is truly amazing. Now a well known and respected horticultural artform that has spread throughout the world from Greenland to the U.S. to South Africa to Australia. It is constantly changing and reaching even greater heights, representative of how small the world is really getting.