See The Most Popular Japanese Bonsai

Japanese Bonsai: The Creative Journey of a Living Art

Japanese bonsai is all about cultivating woody plants in trays. The plants when grown are miniature copies of gnarled trees. Call them a living art because bonsai has a magical and poetic aura that soothes the body, mind and soul.

History

Bonsai is a Japanese art form that reflects the country’s culture and ideals. It also reflects the yearning for harmony and balance and the deep appreciation of nature. It is an art that copies nature in miniature. Though the Japanese did not discover the art, they refined and elevated this.

The bonsai art took root in China. It took much care and skill bonsai was exclusive to the wealthy and those who enjoyed high official status in society. Bonsai art was brought to Japan during the spread of Zen Buddhism. It was the Japanese elite only who also enjoyed bonsai art. Today, bonsai is a serious international art and bonsai festivals are held in Japan four times a year during the months of January, February, June, and October. The best of the best are on exhibit during these events.

Bonsai Styles

Have you dabbled in Japanese flower arrangement or Ikebana? If you did, you learned Ikebana arrangement combines man and nature. In Japanese bonsai, there are several ways to create harmony and style. The basic bonsai styles are the classic koten and the informal bunjin. The classic is identified by the wider base trunk that tapers off at the top. The bunjin style is the opposite and is difficult to master.

If you want to know your bonsai art, the different styles include Chokkan or Formal Upright, Fukinagashi or Windswept, Han Kengai or Semi-Cascade, Hoki-zukuri or Broom, Ikdadbuki or Raft, Ishitsuki or Roots Over Rock, Kengai or Cascade, Literati or Bunjin, Shakan or Slanting, Sukan-Sakan or Multi-Trunk Style, and Yose-ue or Forest/Group.

Disadvantages of Bonsai Art

If you are living elsewhere outside of Japan, you cannot expect to learn bonsai art following manuals. It takes time to master the art as it took hundreds of years for the Japanese to develop bonsai into a fine art.

The bonsai art demands attention to detail, the right tools and techniques. As you go along with your bonsai hobby, you will discover that some techniques won’t work. If you have taken up gardening as a hobby, the bonsai art won’t be too difficult for you. You are already aware of the importance of soil, water, and temperature in gardening though there would be some variations in bonsai. Tools and planting trays are also important though these aren’t cheap.

Failing in your efforts to master bonsai should not stop you from enjoying the art. You can purchase bonsai trees at the Japan festivals or at your favorite garden or flower shop. You can do your bonsai shopping online and place your orders for potted bonsai trees. Instructions for the care of your bonsai come with the purchase. Follow the instructions to the letter to enjoy your Japanese bonsai.