Reading material
BONSAI
BONSAI
― A Living Japanese Art Beloved Around the World ―
Written by BONGENCOFFEE
Introduction: What is BONSAI?
Bonsai is a uniquely Japanese art of concentrating nature in a small pot and cultivating it over many years. The word derives from "bon" (pot ) and "sai" (to cultivate), literally meaning "a tree planted and cultivated in a pot." However, its essence goes beyond mere gardening or ornamental plants; it is a culture that embodies the harmony between nature and humans.
Bonsai is also known as "small nature." By expressing mountain ridges, the dignity of ancient trees, and the changing seasons in a single pot, bonsai evokes the image of a magnificent landscape in the viewer. In other words, bonsai is a "miniature version of nature," but it is an art that is completed by projecting human sensibilities and philosophies onto it.
Today, the word BONSAI itself has become an international term, used as is in Europe, the United States, and Asia. BONSAI is highly acclaimed in art galleries and exhibitions in cities such as New York, London, and Paris, and continues to fascinate enthusiasts around the world.
Chapter 1: The History of BONSAI
From Chinese "Bonsai" to Japan
Bonsai has its roots in the Chinese art of "penjing," which involves arranging trees and stones in pots or trays to recreate natural landscapes. This art form was already in existence during the Tang Dynasty (7th to 9th centuries). This culture was introduced to Japan by Japanese envoys, where it combined with the Japanese aesthetic sense and eventually developed into the unique "bonsai."
Bonsai from the Heian and Kamakura Periods
Picture scrolls and documents from the Heian period depict aristocrats appreciating potted pine and plum trees. At the time, bonsai were enjoyed as part of gardens and were also seen as a sign of authority and status. In the Kamakura period, under the influence of Zen Buddhism, bonsai began to take on a stronger spiritual significance as a "miniature representation of nature," and they began to be used in tranquil spaces such as temples and tea rooms.
To the culture of the common people in the Edo period
In the Edo period, bonsai spread among the common people. Ukiyo-e prints depict pine and plum trees planted in pots, and scenes of common people enjoying bonsai in the corners of their tenement houses are also seen. During this period, bonsai took root as a form of entertainment that allowed people to experience nature in their daily lives.
From Meiji to Showa: International Expansion
During the Meiji period, bonsai was exhibited at international expositions and attracted attention overseas. When it was introduced as a cultural asset representative of Japan, it created a great sensation among Western bonsai enthusiasts, and the word "BONSAI" came into use around the world. During the Showa period, bonsai clubs were established overseas, and an increasing number of bonsai artists were invited from Japan, establishing BONSAI as an international art form.
Chapter 2: The Appeal of Bonsai
Art that condenses nature
The greatest appeal of bonsai is its ability to condense and express nature into a pot. A single pine tree can represent the dignity of a mountain, a single maple tree the autumn leaves, and a single plum blossom the arrival of spring. The sense of scale that allows one to feel the beauty of nature in a limited space is the artistry that is unique to bonsai.
The joy of taking time to grow
Bonsai are not completed overnight. Branches are trimmed, wired, and roots pruned over the years to achieve the ideal shape. Some take decades, or even over a century, to grow, and over that long period of time, a "story" is imbued in them. Bonsai, passed down from parent to child, and from child to grandchild, are a reflection of the family history itself.
The joy of experiencing the four seasons
New buds in spring, green leaves in summer, red leaves in autumn, and a blanket of snow in winter. Bonsai change appearance throughout the year, showcasing the beauty of each season. Unlike ornamental plants that are displayed indoors, bonsai live outdoors in harmony with nature, and are "living art" that reflect the changing of the seasons.
Time to clear my mind
Each act of watering and trimming the branches has a meditative effect. Spending time in communication with nature is a precious "moment to calm the mind" for modern people. Bonsai offers healing and tranquility, especially in the midst of stressful urban life.
Chapter 3: Types of Bonsai
There are many types of bonsai, and their appeal varies depending on the characteristics of the tree and the changing seasons. They can be broadly divided into "conifers," "miscellaneous trees," and "flowering and fruiting trees," and each has its own unique beauty.
Conifers
Conifers are a group centered on evergreen conifers such as pine, juniper, and cypress. They maintain a lush appearance throughout the four seasons and symbolize strength and dignity. Black pine and Japanese white pine, in particular, are known as the "king of bonsai," and can express the rigor of an ancient tree in a pot. Juniper is popular as a tree species that displays the "dynamism of nature" due to the freedom of its branches.
Miscellaneous trees
Miscellaneous trees are a group centered around deciduous broad-leaved trees such as maples, zelkova, camellias, and cherry blossoms. They allow you to enjoy the richness of the changing seasons, from the budding of spring, the green leaves of summer, the colorful leaves of autumn, and the bare trees of winter. Maples and zelkova express the "beauty of the natural shape of their branches," and their autumn foliage fascinates many people as a symbol of Japan's four seasons.
Flowers and fruits
Species that bear flowers and fruit, such as plum, cherry, camellia, quince, persimmon, and apple, evoke a sense of gaiety and the joy of life. Plum and cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, signaling the arrival of the season, while their fruit changes color in the fall, symbolizing fertility. The ability to enjoy flowers and fruit in a small pot is one of the joys of bonsai.
Old and small bonsai
Bonsai trees over 100 years old are characterized by their presence and majesty, nurtured over many years. On the other hand, small bonsai and miniature bonsai that fit in the palm of your hand are also popular and are loved as forms that can be easily incorporated into modern lifestyles. Another great attraction of bonsai is that they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on the size and type.
Chapter 4: How to grow BONSAI
Bonsai is often thought of as "difficult," but even beginners can grow them if they understand the basics. The important thing is to create an environment as close to nature as possible and respect the tree's vitality . Here we will introduce the basics of how to grow them in a way that is easy to understand even for beginners.
Tools needed
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Pruning shears : A basic tool for trimming branches and leaves
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Wire : Used to curve the branches and guide them to the ideal tree shape
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Bonsai pot : A pot with good drainage is essential. A shallow pot allows the roots to spread out and create a natural shape.
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Soil : Special soil with excellent breathability and drainage, such as Akadama soil and Kiryu sand, is used.
Sunlight and location
Bonsai are best grown outdoors. They grow healthily with ample sunlight and are sensitive to the changing seasons. Even if you bring them indoors for viewing, it is best to avoid long-term use and to grow them on a balcony or in a garden.
Watering
It is said that "bonsai depends on how well it is watered," so watering is very important. When the surface of the soil is dry, water it thoroughly until water flows out from the bottom of the pot. It is important to adjust the frequency of watering depending on the season: twice a day, morning and evening, in summer, and once a day in winter.
Pruning and wiring
Pruning, which involves cutting branches, and wiring, which involves shaping the tree, are tasks that enhance the expressiveness of bonsai. By removing unnecessary branches, you can protect the health of the tree and improve light and ventilation. By wiring the tree, you can create a shape that looks like it has withstood the wind and snow of nature.
Repotting and root care
Bonsai trees should be repotted every few years and the old soil replaced with new. Keeping the roots in order keeps the tree healthy and allows it to continue growing in the pot. Neglecting this practice can lead to root congestion, weakening the tree.
Seasonal management
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Spring : The best time to care for new shoots and replant
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Summer : Thorough watering and avoiding direct sunlight
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Autumn : Enjoy the autumn leaves and fertilize to prepare for the next year.
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Winter : How to withstand the cold and enjoy the snowy scenery
The appeal of bonsai cultivation is that there is work to be done in every season and you can enjoy the rhythm of walking in harmony with nature.
Chapter 5: Bonsai and Culture
Similarities with the Tea Ceremony and Flower Arrangement
Japanese culture is home to many art systems known as "do," including the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy, and bonsai. What they all have in common is "harmony with nature," "time to calm the mind," and "a sense of beauty expressed in form." Just as tea ceremony allows one to discover the universe in a cup of tea, and flower arrangement condenses nature into a single flower, bonsai reflects the landscape of mountains and rivers in a single pot.
Relationship with Japanese gardens
Bonsai is also known as a "small Japanese garden." While gardens express nature on a vast plot of land, bonsai condenses nature into the microcosm of a pot. Both bonsai emphasize "borrowed scenery" and "space," and share a deep commonality in that they artistically express the relationship between nature and humans.
Literature and Bonsai
Bonsai also frequently appears in Japanese literary works and haiku.
"The pine tree pot has seen off generations of people" (Masaoka Shiki)
Bonsai are not merely ornamental objects, but also symbols that reflect the flow of time and the lives of people. Haiku poets and novelists have written poems about the eternal time contained in these small pots.
Reception overseas
Since its introduction overseas during the Meiji period, bonsai has been highly acclaimed in Europe and the United States. Bonsai exhibitions are held in New York, London, Paris, and other cities, and bonsai enthusiasts cultivate bonsai in their own unique styles. The word bonsai has become a universal word without being translated.
Chapter 6: The Role of Bonsai in the Modern World
Relaxation in urban life
In urban life surrounded by skyscrapers and man-made structures, bonsai are gaining attention as a way to evoke a sense of nature. Living greenery in a small pot brings a sense of tranquility and a connection with nature to everyday life. With the spread of remote work, more and more people are placing small bonsai on their desks.
Value as an interior
The appeal of bonsai is that it blends in with modern homes and offices. Adding a single piece of greenery to a simple interior brings vitality and sophistication to the space. Small bonsai and moss balls in particular are popular because they are easy to incorporate into modern lifestyles.
Increasing demand for gifts
Bonsai are often chosen as gifts because they symbolize longevity and prosperity. They are gaining attention as gifts suitable for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and store openings, and demand is expanding both domestically and internationally.
BONSAI in the digital age
Nowadays, not only can you purchase bonsai from online shops, but there are also video courses and online communities where you can learn how to care for them. Bonsai enthusiasts from all over the world share their own bonsai on social media, creating a culture that transcends borders. While bonsai is a traditional culture, it has adapted flexibly to the digital age.
Sustainability implications
Bonsai embodies the spirit of "respecting nature and living in harmony with it." As awareness of climate change and environmental issues grows, bonsai is also valued as a symbol of a sustainable lifestyle. Continuing to nurture a single tree over many years can be said to embody sustainability itself.
Chapter 7: The Global Bonsai Scene
Spread in America and Europe
Since the 20th century, bonsai has created a huge boom in Europe and the United States. In the United States, many bonsai enthusiasts have developed, mainly in California, and in Europe, large bonsai clubs exist in Germany, Italy, Spain, and other countries. Exhibitions and competitions are also held frequently, and an international network has been formed.
International Bonsai Convention
The First World Bonsai Convention, held in 1989, can be said to be the moment when BONSAI was established on a global scale. Since then, it has been held in countries around the world every few years, and has grown into an international event that attracts tens of thousands of bonsai enthusiasts. Here, Japanese bonsai masters demonstrate their skills and deepen their connections with bonsai enthusiasts from around the world.
Famous overseas bonsai artists
Talented bonsai artists have also emerged in Europe and the United States, such as Ryan Neal from Norway and Mauro Stasse from Italy, each creating works with their own unique sensibilities. By learning Japanese traditions and incorporating their own country's views of nature, they are creating "global-style BONSAI."
BONSAI and Tourism
Bonsai museums in Kyoto and Tokyo attract many tourists from overseas, and workshops and hands-on events are also popular. Bonsai has become a symbol of Japanese culture and plays a role in tourism.
Chapter 8: The Future of Bonsai
Passing it on to the younger generation
One of the challenges is how to convey bonsai culture to the younger generation. Traditionally, bonsai has tended to be a hobby for the elderly, but in recent years it has been spreading among younger generations as part of their interior design and lifestyle.
Integration with digital
New ways of learning are emerging, such as cultivation simulations using AI and 3D technology, and online bonsai lessons. In an age where bonsai enthusiasts from all over the world share their creations on social media, bonsai has become a hub for cultural exchange that transcends borders.
Sustainable Value
As awareness of environmental issues grows, BONSAI is a symbol of the philosophy of "living in harmony with nature." The mere act of cultivating a single tree for decades or even centuries is nothing less than the practice of sustainability.
Further spread around the world
In the future, BONSAI has the potential to take root as a common hobby not only in Japan but in cities around the world, with expectations particularly high for it to spread to new markets such as Asia, the Middle East, and South America.
Final Chapter: What BONSAI Teaches Us
Bonsai is an art that reflects nature in a pot, and at the same time, it is a mirror that reflects life. The act of taking the time to trim the branches, watering them, and watching over the seasons is the very image of humans living in harmony with nature.
Their appeal lies not simply in their "beautiful trees," but in their respect for nature, respect for time, and spiritual enrichment . Even in modern society, BONSAI remind us of the importance of "stopping and facing nature."
In the coming era, BONSAI will continue to spread internationally, bringing healing and inspiration to people all over the world.
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