Bonsai affair

Unlike other art forms, tendering a Bonsai tree gives you a sense of personal possession

 

The world history of bonsai is extensive, originating 1700 years ago in China. Other ancient civilizations have grown container plants but none has documented its historical background in artistic and horticultural practices as China did. However, Japan borrowed this culture some 800 years ago and began to change the craft by altering and improving the design perspective through observing the forms and characteristics of trees in nature. As a result this miniature potted tree culture has been elevated as an art that we enjoy today.

 

Flat pot wonder

The word ‘bonsai’ literally means trees in trays as they are grown in a flat pot with slight curve or a tray. There are different styles of bonsai trees. The distinction come from the different shapes that are formed by the trees’ branches and all have different names. Many of these are shaped to imitate features of the natural world, like cascades and waterfall. But the purposes of bonsai are primarily contemplation (for the viewer) and the pleasant exercise of effort and ingenuity (for the grower).

There are different techniques like pruning, wiring, root reduction, potting, defoliation and grafting that a bonsai artiste uses to create trees that will have similar shapes and styles of its fully sized mature trees. Watering, re-potting and soil composition play an important role in growing bonsai but the most important thing is to have respect for every living creature. This feeling translates into positive energy bringing about a special aura which a bonsai tree would eventually bear. And therefore, growing and caring for bonsai has become a passion for many since ancient times.

 

Calm your nerve

Bonsai trees are not only attractive pieces but act to benefit your health for many reasons. Constantly tending and caring for your bonsai develops your patience and helps fight fatigue. And it is an established fact that working with nature can help us become a more peaceful person. A beautiful bonsai can clean and purify your home or office. It is a wonderful hobby and a great stress reliever. Moreover, it gives you a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

These artistic trees also draw attention for the price tag they command. It is not limited to expensive trees in classic shapes. It is seen and sold as an art of nurturing. The elegance of a 250 year old juniper is unmatched like the price it was sold in 1981. It went for a US$ 2mn and still remains the most expensive bonsai ever sold. More recently Japanese collectors such as Daizo Iwasaki have acquired the most expensive bonsai specimens at an auction for as much as US$ 180,000 and US$ 330,000. In 1976, as part of Japan’s Bicentennial gift to the American people, bonsai master Masaru Yamaki donated one of his prized white Pine bonsai to National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the United States National Arboretum. It was also known as ‘Hiroshima Survivor’, as it survived the atomic blast in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. This tree has been in training since 1625, thereby making it a 388-years-old artistic splendour. Isn’t it simply amazing?

 

Work of art

Unlike other works of art there are no such things as ‘finished’ art in the case of a bonsai tree. As long as the trees are still alive and growing, they must continue to be tended to on a daily basis. It is an affair that goes from one generation to another. That is why bonsai growing is sometimes called an art without an end. For many, it is precisely this timelessness that makes raising bonsai so rewarding and worthwhile. So, if you get a chance, do have one on your working table in office or in the favourite corner of your home. You will be a changed person for sure.