A short history of the cultivation of bonsai

The art of growing miniature trees is mostly associated with Japan, but bonsai actually dates back to China. Janine Ryan takes a look at its fascinating history.

- Janine Ryan

Bonsai is the art of growing ornamental, artificially dwarfed varieties of trees and shrubs in pots. Bonsai does not require genetically dwarfed trees, but rather depends on growing small trees from regular stock and seeds. Bonsai uses cultivation techniques like pruning, root reduction, potting, defoliation, and grafting to produce small trees that mimic the shape and style of mature, full-size trees. The practice dates back to 700 CE, and originated in China. “Bon-sai” is a Japanese word, and is perhaps more widely associated with Japan. However, the Chinese practised “pun-sai” (tray planting), from which the Japanese bonsai originated.

Bonsai Empire, a collection of global enthusiasts and experts, says that in 700 CE, the Chinese were using “special techniques” to grow dwarf trees in containers.

It was an art once only practised by the elite of society, and only native tree specimens were used for the practice. The pun-sai were considered luxurious gifts. “During the Kamakura period, during which Japan adopted most of China’s cultural trademarks, the art of growing trees in containers was introduced into Japan,” Bonsai Empire says.

According to the website, bonsai was developed along certain lines due to the influence of Zen Buddhism, as well as the fact that Japan is only 4% the size of China in terms of land mass.

“The range of landscape forms was thus much more limited. Many well-known techniques, styles and tools were developed in Japan from Chinese originals.

“Although known to a limited extent outside Asia for three centuries, only recently has bonsai truly been spread outside its homelands.”

PUN-SAI