Bonsai – A Japanese Variation of the Chinese Art of Penjing
Bonsai is a Japanese variation of the Chinese art of penjing. It consists of using traditional techniques to create realistic sceneries, mainly by incorporating small trees. It is very difficult to achieve perfect perfection in these miniature works of art, but the results are worth the effort. While similar versions of this art form exist in other cultures, the Japanese form is considered the best. Vietnamese Hon non bo is a living landscape miniature, and the Vietnamese style of penjing is a great example.
The earliest bonsai were created by the poet Motokiyo. He recollected this story in a play, and the bonsai gained incredible popularity. In fact, it soon found its way into the hearts and homes of the Japanese. The Japanese have long been awed by the art form and consider bonsai to be an integral part of their culture.
After WWII, bonsai made its way to the English-speaking world. Books and magazines on the subject were published in over two dozen languages. In addition to translations of the original Japanese, English speakers were introduced to the art of saikei. In the United States, the popularity of bonsai grew in the United States. The Nippon Bonsai Association introduced this concept to the west. The following year, Del Tredici’s book Classic Collection: Japanese Bonsai