The History of Bonsai

During the 14th century, the common phrase for a dwarfed potted tree became known as “the bowl’s tree” and was pronounced in Japanese “hachi-no-ki”. This term was used to describe potted trees with a deep pot, whereas bonsai trees were known for their very shallow pots. With so many places with bonsai trees for sale, it is important to know the history of bonsai trees for sale in order to increase your understanding of the origins of the art. “Hachi-No-Ki” which means, the potted trees, is the title of a famous Noh play which is based in 1383 A.D. The play tells a story on a destitute samurai who has to sacrifice his prized potted trees as firewood in order to give warmth for on a cold winter night to a traveling monk. The monk ended up being Japanese official in disguise, and handsomely rewarded the samurai for his kindness with three lands, which represent the three potted trees the samurai burned. Because of this play, there were many artist that depicted the potted plants in later centuries.
However, in the 17th century, stories of actual bonsai trees for sale began to appear. A famous story about a man name Okubo Hikozemon, who was a councilor to a shogun, actually threw one of the shogun’s trees away in plain sight, in order to try to discourage the shogun from spending too much time on the trees. The shogun did not give up him love for the trees, even after his servant’s efforts. Another famous story is about a samurai’s gardener, who killed himself when his hachi-no-ki was insulted by the samurai. The gardener was particularly proud of his artisan skills and popularity of this story sprend. There are still several bonsai trees alive that date all the way back to the 17th century. One of them is considered the National Treasure of Japan, and is kept in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

The Classical Bonsai Trees For Sale

The first known evidence of a Westerner with a dwarf potted Japanese tree was made by George Meister in 1692. Around the same period, there were Chinese bonsai pots that were exported over to Japan, which were made between 1465 and 1800 A.D. With so many places with bonsai trees, it is important to know a detailed history of this art form. Many of these pots were a brownish-purple, and most of then were from Canton and made during the Ming dynasty. Most of the pots were also unglazed. These miniature potted trees were refered to as “hachi-ue” in a horticultural book written in 1681. This book said that all the people of Japan during that time grew and cared for azaleas, a very popular bonsai tree. Even the poorest of common people would find shells to put an azalea in if they could not afford a pot. It is believed that by the end of the 18th century, the practice of bonsai cultivation and care was very widespread and had sparked a great interest in the public. From 1781 to 1788, a large exhibit would be held for the best dwarfed potted pines every year in the region of Kyoto. Many bonsai connoisseurs would travel from the nearby regions and bring their best trees in hopes to receive a high ranking from visitors at the exhibit.
In the early 19th century, a group of scholars of the arts gathered in the region of Itami. They met to discuss the new and popular styles in the art of crafting miniature trees. These bonsai trees , which were commonly known as “bunjin-ueki”, were renamed “bonsai”. The term bonsai related more to the miniature trees that were kept in shallow containers, which were very appealing to the Japanese. However, it was not for another century that the term “bonsai” became popularly used.

Bonsai Trees For Sale in Japan

The prominent book that first established a set of standards and rules for the classical art of bonsai, was Somoku Kinyo Shu, written in 1829. It included the basic criteria, in detail and with many illustrations that were sought after in order to form the ideal bonsai tree of the classical period. Also in 1829, a bonsai grower in Asakusa Park, began to sell bonsai trees that resembled an octopus, with long, curvy branches. This neighborhood became a hotspot for bonsai growers, and within 20 years was full of nurseries. It is believed that the first catalog that offered bonsai trees, tools, and pots, is from this region and was written in 1833.
A multitude of artists painted dwarfed potted tree on woodblock prints in the 19th century. In Japan, the earliest known photograph which features a miniature tree is dated to 1861 by Pierre Rossier. A very important movement in bonsai trees occurred on October 13, 1868. The Meiji Emperor had his capital moved to Tokyo. At his new palace, he had both the inside and outside of the Meiji Palace decorated with bonsai trees. The majority of these bonsai were very large, because they were needed to fill up a “grand amount” of space. The Meiji Emperor was literally a bonsai fanatic and encouraged the public to take interest in the art. He was so serious about bonsai, that government officials who were not appreciative of bonsai trees fell out of favor with him. Because of this, most officials kept and cared for bonsai trees, even if they did not enjoy it, for fear of being outcast because of the tradition. Bonsai aesthetics and shaping techniques became much more sophisticated during this time period. In the 1860’s they began to shape the branches and trunk of the trees by using wetted hemp.

What is exactly is bonsai?

With bonsai trees for sale, it is important to know where this acclaimed practice came from. The idea is to capture the feeling of a full size tree by fashioning a shrub or tree in a small container. This practice of miniaturizing trees exists in several cultures. Bonsai has been practiced in Japan for thousands of years and has developed its own nomenclature and philosophy. The word bonsai can be broken down into to gain a better understanding of the word. The term ‘bon’ in Chinese is a small, tray pot that is typically used in the making of bonsai trees. In English, ‘bonsai” is simply used as the term for all miniaturized trees that are kept in pots.
Bonsai tree are made for two reasons. It is an activity that requires pleasant ingenuity and effort on behalf of the grower, and an aesthetically pleasing decoration for the viewer. Like many other cultivation activities, bonsai is in no way geared toward the production of medicine, food, or large landscapes. Bonsai is instead a practice which focuses on the cultivation and shaping of a miniaturized tree for a long period of time. There are several ways to begin the bonsai process. They can be grown from a seedling, cutting a branch with the proper technique, or a small shrub or tree that is suitable for the miniaturization effect of bonsai. The tree should be shaped to appear as a full size tree. There are several specific species of trees that are used in the art of bonsai because the have characteristics which are desirable for bonsai. If the naturally have some leaves or needles, this will produce better results because it will enhance the look of the tree.

The Art of Bonsai Trees

The art of bonsai is often confused with the practice of dwarfing a tree, but rather dwarfing refers to the new creation of an actual genetic miniature of a full size tree. With so many places with bonsai trees for sale, it is important to know abundant information about them. Bonsai is simply the cultivation of miniature tree which appears to be a full size tree. Dwarfed tree are sometimes used in the practice of bonsai, but it is not required to achieve the desired effect. With techniques such as root reduction, pruning, re-potting, defoliation, and grafting, it is relatively easy to mirror the shape and feel of a full grown tree. Your source specimen of the bonsai should be shaped and relatively small in order to follow the standards of bonsai making. After the first few years of growth, the new bonsai tree can be planted in a pot for display. The pots are usually ceramic, and are often customized for prized specimens that warrant special recognition. There are times when there are better options over ceramic pots. Some bonsai artists choose to plants their trees within a piece of driftwood or slab of rock. Once a tree is planted in its new container, its growth will be restricted to the environment of the pot. The bonsai tree should be shaped to help promote and even limit new growth as desired to meet the preferred design of the grower. The bonsai tree should be placed in a warm, sunny area, but should be moved during the summer months to avoid possible root damage from the heat. Once a suitable area is selected, water the bonsai tree whenever the top soil appears to be dry. Both overwatering and under watering can cause significant damage to your tree, so be sure you stay consistent to avoid unnecessary damage to the root system.

Bonsai Tree History

During the 6th century in Japan, Buddhist students and the Imperial Embassy personnel returned to China with several souvenirs, one of which was a potted tree. There were 17 known diplomatic missions that were specifically sent to the Tang Court from Japan between 603 A.D. and 839 A.D. With so many places with bonsai trees for sale, it is important to know the history of the art of bonsai. The Japanese believe that a tree cannot reach its true potential of beauty if it is left growing in nature. The tree must be potted and shaped in order to achieve balance and harmony with nature. The earliest known scroll from Japan to depict a “dwarfed potted tree” was dated to the year 1195 A.D., although some historians believe it is from 1250 A.D. In these depictions, there are dwarfed landscapes on wooden shelves inside dish-like pots. The drawings are thought to flaunt the wealth of the owner and are probably imported exotics from China. During the invasion of the Mongol Empire into China, many bonsai artists moved to Japan, where the Song Dynasty culture was safer and actively studied. Buddhist monks came to the monasteries to teach, and practice the art of miniature landscapes. They saw it as an ideal accomplishment for men with a taste for learning and peace. In 1300 A.D. a rhymed prose was written which termed these miniature trees bonsai. The Japanese used these bonsai trees, which were miniaturized trees grown in containers, to provide decoration for the gardens and homes. In 1331 A.D., several criticisms were made of bonsai to further critique this form of art in growing popularity. These criticisms were eventually written on a scroll, which became part of a sacred teaching that was handed down from master to student through generations. These criticisms were not widely published until the 17th century, when they had a profound effect on bonsai making.

The Japanese Wisteria Bonsai Tree For Sale

The Japanese Wisteria Bonsai Tree, also known as the Fuji, is a climbing tree and may seem a very unusual choice for a bonsai tree. However, if you keep the tendrils trimmed, this magnificent tree has many alluring features that make it a great bonsai. With so many places with bonsai trees for sale, it is important to know detailed information about a tree before you purchase it. This tree is known for its thick and harmonious truck with seemingly countless bends. It has enduring garlands of flowers that reveal their color from beneath the foliage of its young leaves. This tree will typically flower in the late spring, can live to be very old, and is relatively easy to maintain and grow.

A transplant with the Japanese Wisteria Bonsai should be completed every year immediately after the flowering season. During the transplant, you should also trim and remove any aged or withered roots, leaving only the healthy and vigorous roots behind. You should bundle these roots up and place the bonsai in the pot again. In nature, the Fuji thrives by clinging on to additional objects. The branches are usually tenuous, the leaves are large, and the flowers tend to hand down like garlands. Because of the hanging characteristics of the flowers, it is best grown as a cascading bonsai tree. With a cascading style bonsai, the trunk is usually grown to bend more to one side. Because of this, the branches need to be allocated evenly on both sides of the bend to foster the balance of the bonsai tree for sale throughout the year. The branches and trunk should be arranged with the wiring technique, or even by suspension for more advanced growers. Since the vines of the Japanese Wisteria Bonsai Tree usually entwine themselves in a clockwise fashion, you should wind the tree with wires in the same direction.

The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree

The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree is a very hardy bonsai trees for sale that is able to withstand extreme heat and extreme cold. It can sustain over trimming quite well and has a very long lifespan in a pot. With so many places with bonsai trees for sale, it is important to know details about a bonsai tree before you purchase it. The trunk will eventually cultivate strong, firm roots in the pot, which will rise charmingly from the ground. The bark and the trunk are known for a delicacy of their own. The branches of this tree are dense with delicate tips, which give the tree a graceful and soft appearance. The leave’s shape resembles a hand with fingers, each bordered with points like the teeth of a dagger. The tree is beautiful throughout the seasons – in the spring when the buds begin to sprout, the summer when the leaves are a vibrant green, and most of all in the autumn when the leaves have turned a scarlet red. It is also considered to be very beautiful after the leaves have fallen because it resembles a tree on a winter landscape in nature.

One of the most desirable qualities about this bonsai is that is can be make into almost any shape you desire. It is also consider a very easy tree to grow and maintain. As the years pass and the bonsai becomes even more impressive, the value of the bonsai tree will also rise. The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree is a very important bonsai plant, ranking second only to the pine-trees and the Flowering Japanese Apricot. This species of tree is often found in the mountains, but the plants used for bonsai are typically obtained through the layering process. Watering is only need if you feel there is a danger of the soil drying out. Generally, the rain and dew will be sufficient to provide this tree with the proper amount of water.

The Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree

The Japanese Black Pine is a very common bonsai trees that can potentially live for hundreds of years and is available for purchase at most suppliers with bonsai trees for sale. The older the pine gets, the thicker and more pronounced the trunk will become. The bark will become rougher and the branches will grow stronger with each passing year. It has evergreen leaves that are considered to be masculine in nature because they typically point towards the sky. The shape becomes more elegant with age, and the best part is – they are easy to grow and maintain. Most bonsai enthusiasts consider the Japanese Black Pine to belong to a superior class than most types of trees.

In order to have the most success with this tree, it is essential to start off on the best path. It is recommended that you start with an old dwarfed tree that has matured in the ground instead of a pot or container. If you have the chance to find such a tree, it will be worth it. The leaves should be dense, small, and most of all, beautiful. Typically, bonsai trees for sale that have cracked, hard bark are of a higher value. The desirable time to transplant the tree to a pot will be during the early spring, just as the new buds begin to sprout. Trim and prune the roots to fit the pot, taking care to leave as much soil as possible on the existing root system. You should then prune the branches, and begin applying large amounts of fertilizer to trigger the development of the fine roots. After two years, you should transplant the tree yet again, and use soil that is 20%-30% coarse sand to help promote water drainage. If you take these key beginning steps with your Japanese Black Pine, your tree could be well on it’s way to outliving your grandkids.

The Flowering Japanese Quince Bonsai Tree

Flowering Japanese Quince Bonsai Tree is a very popular bonsai trees for sale throughout the United States and Japan. There are many places with bonsai trees for sale, and it is important to know detailed information about a bonsai tree before you buy it. This bonsai tree is a hardy tree that has been known to regularly live over 100 years. In the spring, buds appear often and vigorously, so the branches can be nipped without the fear of over trimming. There are many branches that often provide a sense of pristine elegance. The flowers will begin their vibrant blooms in the winter and will continue throughout the spring. Several varieties of this tree are known for their large fruit, which are considered to enhance the beauty of the tree considerably. In most cases, the Flowering Japanese Quince is a very easy tree to grow, and is a “must have” for any true bonsai enthusiast.

The soil in your pot should be a mixture of black loam and red clay, with roughly one third coarse sand. Typically, autumn is considered the best time to transplant the tree, after its leaves have fallen. It is also acceptable to transplant the tree in the early spring, as long as the fresh buds are still hard. During the summer, you should try to keep your bonsai trees for sale out of direct sunlight, as the any large amount of heat could possibly damage the tree. You should allow the secondary branches to grow until autumn. Secondary branches are those which have grown from the secondary buds. You should trim the branches to the desired length after all the leaves have fallen, as well as any branches that appear to have lost their vitality. With these trees, wiring should be avoided, if possible, and all arranging of the branches should be done by trimming.