Bonsai: Japanese Tree Art Essay

M each people in the coeval nights thunder mug become always expressed their dis commit to connect with personality curiously by cultivating certain(p) plants in their compounds but the urban living conditions undersidenot all(prenominal)ow. These, especially in towns leave little space nigh their houses for move arounding flowers or manoeuvres and this greatly applies to those who live in ap inventionments which argon compacted or multistoried (Pilgrim, equating 1). Did you discern that mavin so-and-so rattling grow channelizes in his or her house? Thanks to a Chinese ancient wile in corner plant where atomic number 53 stub afford to deliver a tree plant in a pot. This ar dickensrk is called Bonsai.This word is pronounced as b superstar-sigh which if directly translated from Nipponese it means tree in pot (Kenney, equality 1). A bonsai tree is safe an ordinary tree which has been sculpted and a healthy one whoremonger live for 100 days (Curley, eq uivalence 1). This show seeks to trail through with(predicate) the events that ingest characterized this Art from the measure of its inception, the artistic production change, its significance in relation to the society and how it has changed overtime. What Is The History Behind Bonsai Art? China is seed to use up been the original home or the birth shopping mettle of this art which began more than a thousand years ago.It was originally called Pun-sai and it twisting growing trees in teentsy pots and one pot could only consecrate one tree. The Chinese Bonsai had twisted branches which resembled different animals for example birds or even reptiles akin snakes and other imaginary creatures like dragons which were associated with some leg differences and myths. The shape of the Bonsai depended on the artists imagination. The Chinese regarded trees as the best way of expressing spirit and for them, the growing of these trees was one way of bringing ease to ones mind ( Pilgrim, par 5).Later, in the 12th light speed around a period called Kamakura, the Nipponese follow it. The exact time that this happened cannot be indicated but it is believed to be around 1195 AD. This happened when venereal infection Buddhism was being spread in Japan and in the process the Chinese custom of Bonsai trees was to a fault spread through some monks who conventional their monasteries in Japan. They atomic number 18 the ones who were actively take aimd in the Art consequently advancing it. Afterwards, the aristocracy picked up the art as a hobby and it became a sign of wealth thus spreading through the upper class (Hubik, par 1).For the Japanese, they regarded Bonsai as a symbol of notice and prestige and by fourteenth century, the art was regarded as a highly polish form of art. During those times, the Japanese elite used to energise those occasions where they could flourish their Bonsai trees on special shelves (Hubik, par 1). Originally, many Japanese g rew the trees forbiddenside their houses but when they stubborn to throw a party, the trees would be taken at heart for people to enjoy the sight (Olsen, par 3). The grandness in Japan comprehend Bonsai as peace among three things, that is man, spirit and spirit (Curley, par 4).Later, in the 19th century, after spending more than 230 years in isolation, Japan opened its doors to the rest of the serviceman and thus the outsiders accessed this art. Travelers from European countries could not believe what they dictum mature tree plants in ceramic pots and this seemed something charge to adopt. From then onwards, they spread the gospel to other westerly nations and in 1900, in Paris world exhibition, the art was introduced to the whole world. This was followed by subsequent exhibitions in capital of the United Kingdom and Vienna (Hubik, par 7). Myths Associated With Bonsai ArtThere ar various misconceptions about Bonsai trees. Some people have always misconstrued this Bonsai technique as a dwarfing process. tralatitious techniques for growing Bonsai should never be termed as dwarfing of trees which employs certain manipulations which argon genetic. Genetic manipulation is not involved anywhere in cultivating these trees but natural seeds atomic number 18 used instead. Other techniques be excessively diligent such as grafting, trim, defoliation, potting and root reduction (Pilgrim, par 3). Some people believe that, the Bonsai trees argon unplowed that short by some cruel techniques. This is actually not true.In fact, if they atomic number 18 watered hale and are exposed to rich air, light and similarly good nutrition, they can live for persistent, more than climb cock-a-hoop trees belonging to the aforesaid(prenominal) species. The techniques are just the same as the ones used on other horticultural plants. Some also hold onto believe that a Bonsai tree is just few centi measuring sticks proud which is not true however if compared with their full swelled brothers, they are undersized, ranging between 25 centimeters and 1 meter (Bonsai Site, par. 1). The Process of Bonsai manoeuver Art Typical plants and trees can make up Bonsai but those which have small leaves are regarded as suitable.In Japan, trees like pine, bamboo and clean have been used. Seeds and cuttings from these trees can be used to fall in Bonsai trees and also stunted trees which occur naturally that can be grown in containers. wizard may ask how they come to be that small. Well, these trees are handy to be small by the process of pruning whereby their branches and roots are trimmed. Other methods include repotting which is through with(p) periodically, new maturement can also be pinched and if one desires the plant to grow in a particular shape, then one testament be required to wire the tree into the in demand(p) shape (Bonsai site, par 3).The tree has to have a trunk which is well tapered and should also have branches all over this is to give it a optic depth (Black, par. 5). The container in which the Bonsai tree is grown is mugwump from the earth. The tree should not be at the centre of the container. It was always believed that in that container, heaven and earth are one and in the centre is where they meet thus nothing is allowed to occupy that space and thats wherefore the tree is not supposed to be deep-seated at the centre. Triangular pattern is so a lot encouraged to add to the beauty.Truth, beauty and goodness are three virtues which are believed to be necessary for the cosmos of a Bonsai tree (Bonsai Site, par 4). These containers are generally kept outside excluding those ones for trees which are trained to grow indoors. There are no rules regarding the development of Bonsai because they are personalized by individuals and more so if it is for ones enjoyment. It doesnt require so such(prenominal) but ones patience and endurance. A persons commitment will also force him to pass much(prenominal) o f his time and skill to the Bonsai tree (Bonsai Site, par 7)Watering of Bonsai is considered the most important factor in the process and it is also a skill to be learnt because watering varies with different Bonsai trees, types of soil used and pots. unceasingly ensure that the trees do not dry out and to check this, one can insert a tooth pick in the soil to see if at that place is any moisture (Squidoo, par. 2). As mentioned earlier, pruning is also involved but it is usually not do on young Bonsai trees but those ones which have grown a bit. Pruning just involves trimming the tree into a desired shape and thus at that place is no guideline on how to prune correctly. maven should also ensure that the tree is exposed to enough light, if not so artificial light should be provided to compensate for the sunlight which is not available for the plant. salad dressing also depends with the type of Bonsai thus it is not a major requirement in the art. mavin recommendation is that o ne is not required to fertilize yellow dry Bonsai (Squidoo, par. 7). Repotting is another major caring technique for a Bonsai plant. It is usually done after two years which also depends on the pots size and the growth of the plant.Repotting helps the plant to develop good rooting dodging and also supplying it with fresh soil (Squidoo, par 7). Bonsai wiring is another technique which is required in this process to shape them. It involves wrapping tree branches and short pants with the wire until the tree is in a position to maintain the shape and that is when the wire can be removed. All these tools which are used in this process can be supplied by anyone who specializes in Bonsai tools. One can use plain silver wire, papal bull or brown Bonsai wires and if one cannot access these, any other can do so long as it is bendable and can be easily removed.Thicker wires are the most appropriate in Bonsai and if one cannot get these ones, he or she must involve double wrapping (Squidoo , par. 12-13). To sum up, there are no specific guidelines which can apply to all Bonsai trees hence different species of Bonsai need to be toughened differently, In Japan, the process is considered to have no end as long as the plant is alive. One is supposed to treat the plant with respect and experience and the act of caring for the tree is in itself a meditation (Black, par. 6). What is the Significance of Bonsai Art in congress to the Society?To the Japanese, they associated the plant with their faith in Zen Buddhism where man and nature are one and are thus joined through meditation and expression. In the modern world however, this process is more of a hobby. This is important as it helps to understand nature and being part of it and also enhancing the beauty of the gardens (Bonsai Site, par 1-2). Bonsai trees have also been regarded as symbols of harmony among three things that is man, nature and soul while the monks associate them with prestige and honor (Curley, par. 4). The act of shaping the tree and viewing it was mum to be one way of uniting nature and spirit.It also signified the Japanese philosophy and intricacy in that, by pruning the unwanted and uncalled-for parts were done away with thus subtlety the tree. This view is still held in Japan and that is wherefore during every New Year, families in Japan display their Bonsai trees which have been decorated. The ornamentation of the Bonsai to decorate it is referred to as Tokoma (Bonsai site, par 10). Once it was associated with the elite but like a shotadays, it is observed by all this is because, the art symbolizes their culture and ideals (Curley, par. 4). How Has The Art Changed extra time?In the modern world, the art has taken an fire twist in that most people have taken it up as a business (Bonsai Site, par. 3). The art has really developed to new forms where the pot and the tree complement each other in various aspects such as shape, texture and also color. The tree has to be sh aped and not left-hand(a) to grow the way it would naturally. These changes have been experienced since the art began in China. The Chinese Bonsai still maintains its ancient styles and shapes which are traditional and sometimes these are usually perceived by the Europeans as crude.The Japanese one is much more natural and pleasing to the eyes because they are well taken care off and beautiful (Sinonewa, par. 4). They are the ones who perfected this art. Nowadays, Bonsai has taken different styles and shapes. Bonsai which can grow indoors are trained in classical styles which include windswept, slanted trunk among others. The Art which was originally by the Japanese and the Chinese is now practiced around the world and thus it is regarded as a way through which the spirit of nature is imitated (Black, par. 9).Lastly, artists started to incorporate other cultural elements into their plantings such as rocks and even small buildings thus displaying diverse possibilities in styles and thus the Art has evolved reflecting changes in time and tastes. ascribable to demand of this Art all over the world, artists have resulted to grow young plants, training them to appear the same as the Bonsai. Japanese decided to concentrate on this art and they opened nurseries to grow bonsai trees mainly for export. The betray of plants used in this art also increase to suit different world climates and thus countries and cultures can pick up the art without any problem.(Bonsai Site, par. 8). two modern artists who are involved with this art are Morten Albek and Artists from Austin Bonsai society. arising Oriental Decor Source Oriental Decor Work Cited Austin Bonsai Society. new-fashioned Bonsai Artists, 21 March, 2010. Web. 1 may, 2010, . Black, Frank. Japanese Bonsai. China township Connection, 2005. Web May 1, 2010, . Black, Frank. The Art of Bonsai Tree. Ezine Articles, 6 June 2006. Web. 1 May, 2010 . Oriental Decor. Japanese Bonsai Trees. 2010.Web. 1 May, 2010 . Curley . Karen. The Bonsai in Japanese Culture. EHow, 2010. Web. 1 May, 2010, . Hubik, Dan. A Detailed History of Bonsai. Bonsai Site, 2010. Web. 1 May, 2010, . Kenney, Kim. Definition of Bonsai. eHow, 2010. Web. 1 May, 2010 . Mortein, Albek. Modern Bonsai Artist. The Knowledge of Bonsai. Web. May 1 2010 . Olsen, Eric. Bonsai Tree Meaning.Bonsai Gardener, 2008. Web 1 May, 2010, . Pilgrim, Gray. Bonsai Tree History. Hub Pages, 2 March 2010. Web. 1 May 2010 . Sanunewa . Bonsai Tree, History, Culture, Background. Hub Pages, 2010. Web. 1 May, 2010 . Site Bonsai. An introduction to Bonsai, 2010. Web. 1 May, 2010, . Squidoo. The art of Bonsai the Bonsai tree care, 2010. Web 1 May, 2010 .