Interesting Facts!! #62

62. Bonsai trees

While the art of bonsai has long been associated with Japan, it actually originated first in China, and then spread eastward to Korea and then Japan. By the year 700 AD the Chinese had started the art of ‘pun-sai’ using special techniques to grow dwarf trees in containers. During the Kamakura period, the period in which Japan adopted most of China’s cultural trademarks, the art of growing trees in containers was introduced into Japan. The Japanese developed Bonsai, bonsai can be literally translated as "tray planting." It is believed that the first tray landscapes were brought from China to Japan at least twelve hundred years ago (as religious souvenirs).

Bonsai has evolved and developed along different lines in China and Japan. Chinese bonsai is still very much in the ancient tradition, and often appear “crude” to the uninformed. On the other hand, the Japanese styles are more pleasing and naturalistic. The Japanese trees are for the most part more refined and better groomed.

In the post World War II era most of the bonsai seen in the United States and Europe are Japanese in origin. The monopoly that Japan has enjoyed until recently is coming to be shared with a number of other countries, although the quality of Japanese trees continues to be of the highest quality.

The trees, which stood approximately one to two feet in height, required two to twenty years of masterful cultivation and care. The Japanese chose some species of fruit and flower bearing trees in addition to varied species of pine. The branches, trunks and roots of the tree obtained their odd appearance by twisting these areas into the desired shape and holding the configuration using bamboo and wire. Parts of the plant also endured burning or cutting. Artists also commonly grafted new branches, which helped create a particular shape.

They created the illusion of age by smearing parts of the tree with sweet syrup, which enticed termites into feasting on the wood. After the termites burrowed to specified depths, artists removed the insects and allowed the tree to undergo a healing process. The new wood and bark more closely resembled a much older tree. The miniature trees also commonly shared a pot with other landscaping features that included rocks and moss.

Though created under seemingly harsh conditions, with proper care and maintenance, bonsai trees last indefinitely. Centuries old bonsai trees originating in Japan continue living today. The Sandai-Shogun-No Matsu is a pine needle variety that stands on display in the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Part of an historic collection, documents indicate the tree began life as a bonsai as early as 1610.

The bonsai continues representing the culture and traditions of Japan. Just as the pine tree remains a beloved symbol during the Christmas holidays, the Japanese consider the bonsai an important feature of the New Year. Homes often have a special location, known as the tokonoma, which proudly displays a miniature apricot or plum tree in bloom.

If you are interested in these little trees don't hesitate to buy one!!

-The more you know~