What Is the Meaning of the Bonsai Plant?
The history of the bonsai is cloaked in legend. It is believed that bonsai originated during the 6th century in China, where it was called penjing. It was introduced to Japan in the 8th century, where bonsai is really two words: tray and tree. Does this Spark an idea?
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Early Forms
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The Chinese developed the practice of training the trunks and roots of the small trees into shapes of dragons and birds.
Development
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The bonsai was brought to Japan by monks through the spread of Zen Buddhism and was refined into an art form representing prestige and honor.
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Significance
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Through the pruning away of all but the essential parts of the plant, bonsai came to represent the refinement of nature; this reduction to the essential was symbolic of the Japanese philosophy.
Symbolism
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The bonsai is still regarded as symbolic of the Japanese culture and ideals.
Art Form
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Today, the term bonsai actually refers to the artistic vision applied to the tree. Specific principles of style inform the design and specialized tools are used by the artist in the execution of his vision.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Cliff
