According to history, the art of making bonsai has been around for centuries. It used to be called “Punsai”, which basically referred to the practice of growing a tree in a pot. China and Japan were among the first countries that started this practice. Over the years, the art of making bonsai spread to other continents including Europe and America.

Bonsai in China

Bonsai making was called “Penjing” in China. Legend says that during the Han dynasty, the emperor of China wanted a great courtyard to be built. It had to include hills, lakes, rivers, valleys, and trees that can be found in his empire. Of course an order from the emperor must be followed and thus the royal subjects cultivated miniatures trees so they could complement the design of the courtyard and please the emperor.

When they presented the miniatures plants to the emperor, he was immensely pleased and he considered bonsais as one of his prized possessions. In fact, he became so obsessed with them so he imposed a regulation that no one might cultivate the plants in his empire. According to legend, he put to death anyone who kept bonsais. Due to this condition, bonsais were considered as a valuable possession in China for many generations. For a long period of time after this, only the elites of China were given the right to cultivate the plants within their home.

It is hard to tell whether all those legends are true or not, but we can be sure that the art of making bonsai plants is considered as one of legacies that China has brought for the world. Even in today’s modern world, many people in China still consider bonsai plants as a valuable commodity.

Bonsai in Japan

Along with the Chinese, Japanese people are also famous in making bonsai plants. In the Heian period around 794 to 1191, the practice was introduced to the monks of Japan by Chinese people. Zen Buddhists adopted the Chinese method and cultivated bonsai plants in their monasteries, which made them the first people in Japan who cultivated these plants. Many people visited the monasteries and they had great interests in the miniature plants. Not long after, many people especially who belonged to the royal family started cultivating bonsai plants in their homes. In fact, the plants became a symbol of honor and prestige among the Japanese people. The culture continues to present day as bonsais still adorn the homes of rich and influential people in Japan.