History shows some sketches of trees grown in pots, used for decorative purposes apparently, occur in Egyptian tombs, dated to over 4,000 years old. We also can see that the art was actually brought to Japan by Chinese imperial embassies to Tang China (during approximately the 7th 9th century).
Caravans were also known to transport trees in containers of various kinds throughout Asia. Some trees were sources of chemicals used medicinally by healers in the places visited along the way.
The modern-day form originates from mainland China over 2000 years ago, where it has been called penzai and written in the same Hanzi that gave rise to the japanese Kanji script.
During the Kamakura period, penjing that recalled customs from the Heian period were be drawn in some picture scrolls and documents. By the Muromachi period, penjing had developed into various directions in Japan.
During the Edo period, Bonsai appreciation became more reachab;e by the more comon man. It became possible to enjoy the bonsai for many daimyos, samurais, merchants, townsmen, and others. Bonsai exhibitions were often held.
Today, the art is still practiced in China, and still often under the name of penjing. In China, the art is intended for outdoor display, and as a result, the plants tend to be somewhat larger than seen in Japanese bonsai history.. |
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