Meaning:
Bonsai in its present form, originated from an ancient Japanese art. The Japanese word "bonsai" (盆栽) translated means: plant that grows in a pot. A bonsai is not a special type of plant but the cultivated form of any woody plant. By planting it in a pot, regularly and selectively cutting back the branches and shaping and forming it, a small and expressive plant develops.
Philosophy:
In the Japanese understanding, however, a bonsai is much more than a plant in a pot. A bonsai symbolically stands for the religiously revered nature and offers the possibility to build a harmonious relationship with it. In this sense, bonsai also has a special cultural and philosophical significance.
Origin:
Originally, the bonsai culture comes from China, where it originated over 2000 years ago from miniature landscapes (Penjing). It is believed that Buddhist monks then brought this art form to Japan, where it was further developed over time. In 1878, during the World Fair in Paris, Japanese bonsai were presented in Europe for the first time.
European bonsai:
Since the 80's, in many European countries there are increasingly more specialized stores where you can get imported bonsai and the necessary accessories for the hobby. Likewise, a European bonsai art begins to develop through the cultivation and design of bonsai from native plant species. Today there are countless European bonsai, which are presented at prestigious exhibitions and no longer have to hide from their Japanese models.
