Japanese Bonsai: The Ancient Art

For the experienced practioner, bonsai is much, much more than simply growing small trees in a pot. The word “bonsai” in Japanese is translated as small tray (bon ) to plant (sai) or “to plant in a small tray”, but if you have only planted a tree in a small tray, or pot, you do not have a bonsai.

To value Japanese bonsai you must understand each if its layers. You cannot create a bonsai tree unless you have brought together a capability for horticulture, innovation, and expression. Each dimension of bonsai can teach us something different if we open our mind to it. Bonsai cannot exist in a single or dual dimension.

Almost anyone can learn to be a good gardener. If you want to be a successful bonsai gardener you must know the basics of general gardening. A successful bonsai gardener has to have a basic understanding of plant physiology. He will need to learn all about a tree’s branches, bark, trunk, and roots. A bonsai artist must know how leaves perform photosynthesis. He will need to be familiar with which plants are hardy and which plants aren’t. All of this knowledge must be brought together in order to grow strong and healthy plants. In the growing of a bonsai you cannot divide the bonsai gardner from the bonsai artist because you have to know both aspects to grow a proper bonsai.

The artistic dimension of Japanese bonsai is that which will ultimately create the form, the living art that is pleasing to the eye, and which creates, in miniature, a replica of a natural tree. A bonsai tree will take on the form that is seen by the bonsai artist which is his own interpretation of the natural form of that tree. Trees that grow under natural conditions and subject to the elements have forms or shapes that the bonsai artist attempts to replicate which make up the classic styles of bonsai. The bonsai artist may employ several different techniques, including pruning, wiring, grafting, and pinching to shape his bonsai in one of the traditional bonsai styles.

Some people believe there is a philosophical or spiritual aspect to bonsai, and that there must be a connection between the bonsai artist and nature. Some relate the philosophy of Taoism and Buddhism to bonsai, while others relate it to Zen philosophy. The philosophical or spiritual dimension must be present in order to create a true bonsai.

Fortunately you don’t have to be a philosopher or a spiritualist in order to appreciate the beauty of Japanese bonsai. Happily, even folks who don’t entirely realize the multiple elements of bonsai can still be stirred by its beauty.

Mike Andrews is a 52 year old native of Colorado. He is an author and has been a devoted enthusiast of the art of bonsai for many years. He has written additional articles relating to the ancient art of Japanese bonsai.

Please visit Mike’s website at www.myjapanesebonsai.com and sign up for his FREE 7-part mini-course on how to grow and train miniature bonsai trees, and check out his recommended eBook “Beautiful Bonsai Secrets“. Peace.


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