Bonsai is theJapanese versionof an ancientorientaltype ofgarden art, be considered in thetrees and shrubsinsmall vessels andaestheticallyshaped. The wordbonsaiconsists of the twowordsbon–shellandsai–plant. And ifit is alsoJapanese,istheart, whichitreferred to, from the ChineseEmpire.
In Japan, thearttechnique ofbonsaidevelopedunder the influenceoftherewidespreadZen Buddhism. Sothey wanted torepresent theharmony betweennatureand manina miniaturized, but realisticform. In this regard,eachmemberof theBonsaihas a symbolic meaning. The treesymbolizes theliving nature, thesmallstonesandfinegravel–the waterandthe forces of nature. Andonlyif these threeelementsinperfect harmonywith each other, thefineart of bonsaihas also managed.
Bonsaias a hobby
Sincethe 50’s, many plants fansare fascinated by theart of bonsaiin Europe. The reasonsfor this areas varied as thepeople themselves. Someare enthusiastic about theAsian culture, while others are avidgardeners whohavemuchpleasure in experimenting. With much love anddevotiontheminiaturesoflargetrees and shrubsfrom naturearelaunchedandmaintained. Everybonsaiis characterizedwith agenuineuniqueness thatis atrue rewardfor the effortof itsdesigner. Shape andstructure of theminiaturetreesplay a majorrole. Eachbuilding andplant, which has awoodystemortrunk,andrightbranchesformedandhassmall leavescan besuccessfullydesignedtobonsai. The biggesttargetis arealistic representationof natureto produce.
The bandwidthof this hobbyandthis artisone of the mostcharmingaspectsofbonsaibecause it isa real challengefor thehorticulturalskills andthe creativeaestheticsof the artist. Even the selectionof the appropriatecup for thebonsairequiresmuchshrewdnessandsense of beauty. Because theymust supportgood,can accommodatethe rootssufficientlyandis also an importantframework forthe overall appearanceof thebonsaitree. Theproper careis very important, because theshellsoffer littlespace forearth, so that thestored moistureis depletedvery quickly. Location, humidity, fertilization, restand repottingare veryimportant factorsas with all otherplant species. The good newsis that youcanfind enoughinformationabout itnowadays, how to makeand maintaina bonsaiproperly.