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See also Bonsai CVS code
management system for the piece of computer software.
Bonsai (Japanese: 盆栽,
Bon, tray + Sai, gardening) is the art of growing trees and plants, reducing the size by
pruning and forming to create an aesthetic shape and the illusion of age.
History
Ginkgo as penjing in the Montreal Botanical Gardens
The art of bonsai originates from China over two thousand years ago, where it has been
called penzai and written in the same Hanzi that gave rise to the Kanji above. It was brought to Japan 700 years ago.
Bonsai spread to Korea during the Tang or Song Dynasty (the 7th - 13th century), and is
now called Bunjae (분재). The art is still practiced in China
today, often under the name of penjing.
Cultivation
A bonsai is not a genetically dwarfed plant. It is kept small by shaping and root pruning. A properly maintained bonsai will
outlive a full size tree of the same species. However, a bonsai needs much care, and an improperly maintained bonsai will
probably die.
Artistry
In the art of bonsai a sense of aesthetics, care, and patience come together. With these qualities, the artist can even guide
the plant into growing to resemble highly intricate Chinese
characters, such as 壽, "longevity", in various styles, but usually cursive.
External links
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