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Bonsai (Japanese: 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: 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).
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 is where a sense of aesthetics, care, and
patience come together. With these qualities, the artist can guide the plant
into growing even highly intricate Chinese characters, such as 壽,
"longevity", in various styles, but usually cursive.
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