Bonsai Tree - A Brief History

Nearly 2000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty, the history of the Chinese bonsai tree began. At that time, the pastime was generally accepted as one for the wealthy. An early bonsai garden mainly focused on the images that could be created out of the bark from the trees. These images would consist of birds, dragons, and even animals. Today, both the bark transformations and the foliage are seen as being equally unique.

Over many years, Japan and China began to integrate some of their unique cultures together and the bonsai tree was one of the many things that was incorporated into the highly cultured country of Japan. At first, only the Buddhist monks used this art form, yet eventually, the aristocracy adopted the bonsai art and it became a status symbol for many years. After this time and for many, many years afterwards, the bonsai art lay exclusively within the Japanese culture. As years passed and Japan began to open up its doors to other countries, bonsai art became highly sought after in North America for its serenity and beauty.

The bonsai tree has only been known in North America since the early 1900s. However, time has passed and now, people all over the world have the opportunity to create this art form in their own gardens. The trees have a very significant and important history for the countries of Japan and China. As the world becomes smaller, so too do the cultural items that define a country. Now these items can be used today to connect people all over the world.