The Roots of Bonsai
The art of bonsai traces its origins to the Chinese practice of “penjing,” which involves creating miniature landscapes in containers. Penjing is believed to have begun around the 6th century in China. The art form was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185) by Buddhist monks. The “Sakuteiki,” a Japanese gardening manual from the late Heian period, contains references to the practice of bonsai.
Bonsai in the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods
During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), bonsai began to evolve under the influence of Zen Buddhism. Zen monks, such as Muso Soseki and Ikkyu Sojun, were known to enjoy bonsai as objects of meditation.
In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), bonsai gained popularity among the samurai class. Ashikaga Yoshimasa, a prominent shogun, was known for his love of bonsai, as recorded in the “Goseibai Shikimoku,” a legal document of the time. The “Kuntaikansochoki,” a 15th-century Japanese manuscript, depicts a gathering where bonsai were appreciated.
Bonsai in the Edo Period
During the Edo period (1603-1868), bonsai became widely popular among the general public. Gardening manuals such as “Kadan Chikinshō” and “Kadan Kōmoku” provided detailed instructions on how to create and care for bonsai. Famous haiku poets, including Matsuo Bashō and Yosa Buson, were also known to appreciate bonsai.
In the late Edo period, bonsai specialists began to emerge. Iida Sōjun, the bonsai master at Ueno Tōshō-gū Shrine, authored “Hōzan Zensho,” a technical manual on bonsai cultivation. Bonsai merchants like Kobayashi Ichizō also appeared, contributing to the spread of bonsai.
Bonsai from the Meiji Period Onward
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), visitors from the West began to take an interest in bonsai. At the 1873 Vienna World Exposition, bonsai were exhibited in the Japanese pavilion, attracting significant attention. The Meiji government also dispatched bonsai masters to Europe and the United States to introduce the art form abroad.
From the Taishō period to the early Shōwa period, large-sized bonsai known as “kokufu bonsai” gained popularity. This marked the establishment of the formal bonsai style that we recognize today.
Bonsai in the Modern Era
Today, bonsai is highly regarded as a traditional Japanese art form both within Japan and internationally. The Nippon Bonsai Association, established in 1934, is dedicated to promoting bonsai and improving cultivation techniques. Specialized bonsai growing regions, such as Omiya Bonsai Village and Kawaguchi Bonsai Village, can be found throughout Japan.
Bonsai is also cherished worldwide as a symbol of Japanese culture. The World Bonsai Friendship Federation, founded in 1989, has over 50 member countries and regions, fostering international exchange and cooperation.
Originating from the Chinese art of penjing, bonsai has undergone a unique evolution in Japan. Throughout its long history, bonsai has been beloved and nurtured by various groups, including Zen monks, samurai, and haiku poets. Today, bonsai continues to captivate people around the world as a quintessential representative of Japanese traditional culture.
