BONSAI
expressions of natural beauty
An art influenced by Japanese Zen Buddhism, which has existed for over a thousand years.
What is BONSAI?
The planting of plants and trees in ceramic pots, etc., to create the appearance of a tree and express the elegance of nature, and to be admired. (from Kojien).
History of BONSAI
Bonkei," which was practiced in the Tang Dynasty, began when it came to Japan in the Heian Period. There is a performance of "Hachinoki" in Noh, and by the Kamakura period (1185-1333), it had become a widespread hobby of the samurai class. In the Edo period (1603-1868), bonsai cultivation and horticulture became popular, and ukiyoe paintings depicting bonsai still remain (from the World and Japan Large Illustrated Series).
Characteristics of BONSAI
The characteristics that are given as the difference between potted plants in horticulture and bonsai are that bonsai are planted in shallow pots and the roots are processed fitted into shallow pots. Bonsai is a small tree that is pruned, wired, and shaped to look like a large, old tree. It can be said that the beauty of the natural world is expressed in a small pot.
Bonsai Appreciation Points
When you start bonsai, the first thing you will learn is what part of the bonsai to appreciate. There are several points in a bonsai that should be appreciated.
①Roots
Are the roots spreading in all directions?
②The lower trunk
Does the trunk stand up strongly from the root system?
③shape of a branch
Are the branches spreading out from the trunk in a balanced manner?
④Foliage
The leaves are beautiful. Is there a good balance in the way the leaves are attached?
⑤Jin/ Shari
Sometimes the trunk and some of the branches wither and turn white. This is regarded as a beautiful thing to appreciate.
While checking these points first, take your time to appreciate it from up close, and then from a little further away to see the whole thing. There are different highlights depending on the season. In Japan, exhibitions are often held, so you can actually see the masterpieces with your own eyes and improve your sensitivity.
How to make a Bonsai
Bonsai trees have a basic shape that has long been considered beautiful. There are various tree shapes such as "formal upright" with a single trunk standing straight up, "cascade" with the trunk and branches lowered from the bottom of the pot, and "windswept" with the trunk and branches falling down naturally in the wind. A beautiful bonsai tree can be created through the natural growth of the tree and human care to achieve this basic tree form.
watering
pruning
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Wiring
If you want to grow your own Bonsai
Let's go to Japan.
If you are interested in bonsai, come to Japan to see the wonderful bonsai and buy bonsai materials.
If you are a bonsai lover or want to start bonsai, Condor Travel Japan will guide you to a must visit destination.
The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama and Omiya Bonsai Village are located in a quiet residential area about an hour's train ride from Tokyo.
In the museum, you can see many masterpieces of bonsai, including a Japanese White Pine called "Chiyo-no-matsu". The museum also displays three different types of "zashiki-kazari", "Shin-no-ma", "Gyo-no-ma", and "So no-ma", and explains how to display bonsai in each room and the rules of each room, giving visitors a glimpse into the depth of Japanese culture as well as bonsai.
The Bonsai garden outside the museum is a well-maintained bonsai garden with many beautiful bonsai on display.
Unlike foliage plants, bonsai are usually kept outdoors and displayed indoors for a few days on important occasions such as tea ceremonies or for guests. Bonsai are also displayed indoors during their most beautiful season.
We can help you with your bonsai purchase
Bonsai has become a popular hobby enjoyed all over the world, and small potted trees are now sold as BONSAI in gardening stores in foreign countries and in the gardening sections of supermarkets.
However, the real bonsai can only be purchased in Japan.
After viewing the real masterpieces at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama and learning how to appreciate and display bonsai, let's go outside and take a walk in the Omiya Bonsai Village.
There are six bonsai gardens in the Omiya Bonsai Village, each with a variety of bonsai that have been carefully selected by the owner. You can choose your favorite bonsai here.
Bonsai to be exported to foreign countries must be maintained for a specified period of time in a specified growing environment. Some bonsai gardens also grow exportable bonsai, so you can choose the one you like best and buy it. You can learn how to care for and grow bonsai at a bonsai garden.
Condor Travel will help you choose a bonsai, care for it, take it home, or even transport it.
