Bonsai Trees History
Bonsai trees originated in China but were transformed into a beautiful form of art by the Japanese. The Japanese provided the soil, environment, and love of art that allowed bonsai to flourish. As a result, Japanese monks took up the hobby and have been developing it ever since. Here's a look at some of the historical figures who contributed to bonsai's development. But the history of bonsai does not end there. Get more helpful resources to read on Bonsai trees by just clicking here1
In Japan, some samurai even used these dwarf potted trees for firewood. In order to reward them, the traveling monk (a Japanese official) presented the samurai with three lands that contain the names of three kinds of trees. Later, in the 17th century, these stories began to be told more. During this time, interest in bonsai was rising. However, the art of bonsai would not rise to art status in the West until the 1930s.
The art of bonsai traces its history back thousands of years. Many trees have special meanings in different cultures. Japan first became interested in the art when Buddhist monks visited mainland China. Japanese diplomats brought penjing back to Japan and adapted the elaborate penjing style to a simpler style. The resulting art form became deeply symbolic, representing a life of balance, harmony, and simplicity. These qualities are now important for bonsai trees in modern times.
The popularity of bonsai grew in the western world following the invasion of Japan by the Chinese. However, it was not until after the war that the art was widely spread and made available to the common people. It took until the end of World War II for bonsai to be brought to North America. After that, Japanese soldiers resettling in the United States brought them with them. Once they saw how beautiful and valuable the trees were, it was enough to create a worldwide desire for bonsai.
In addition to being culturally and spiritually significant, bonsai trees are also profoundly symbolic. The Japanese cherry blossom tree is the country's national flower. These trees bloom with pink flowers for only a few days each year, check here for further details about these trees. In many cultures, the blooming cherry blossom is a symbol of peace, femininity, and mindfulness. These attributes make bonsai the ideal gift for anyone, whether it's for a birthday, a wedding, or a graduation.
Originally cultivated by monks in Japan, bonsai soon began to be enjoyed by the rich and powerful. The practice soon reached the level of high art and transcended class. The aristocracy began to display their bonsai trees indoors. By the late 1700s, bonsai became a part of the tokonoma, or the "token" of the Japanese home.
The art of bonsai is ancient. The art dates back more than a thousand years to China. Its origins are obscure, but the ancient Chinese were fascinated with nature and sought to recreate the scenery in their homes. Their first emperor created a miniature landscape to replicate the beauty of his empire in a single garden. Although the history of bonsai is somewhat vague, manuscripts from 600AD show small trees in pots.
Get a general overview of the topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai.
