Bonsai

See also Bonsai CVS code management system for the piece of computer software.

Image:bonsai1.jpg

Bonsai (Japanese: 盆栽, Bon, tray + Sai, gardening) is the art of growing trees and plants, reducing the size by pruning and forming to create an aesthetic shape and the illusion of age.

History

Ginkgo as penjing in the Montreal Botanical Gardens

The art of bonsai originates from China over two thousand years ago, where it has been called penzai and written in the same Hanzi that gave rise to the Kanji above. It was brought to Japan 700 years ago. Bonsai spread to Korea during the Tang or Song Dynasty (the 7th - 13th century), and is now called Bunjae (분재). The art is still practiced in China today, often under the name of penjing. As the Chinese art is intended for outdoor display the plants tend to be some what larger than seen in Japanese bonsai.

Cultivation

A bonsai is not a genetically dwarfed plant. It is kept small by shaping and root pruning. A properly maintained bonsai will outlive a full size tree of the same species. However, a bonsai needs much care, and an improperly maintained bonsai will probably die.

Artistry

In the art of bonsai a sense of aesthetics, care, and patience come together. With these qualities, the artist can even guide the plant into growing to resemble highly intricate Chinese characters, such as 壽, "longevity", in various styles, but usually cursive.

Bonsai

History

Cultivation

Artistry

External links