Bonsai : An interesting Hobby and its History (part 2)

Bonsai 

An interesting Hobby and its History (part 2)

(Read more in History of Bonsai part 1)

In the sixteenth century, became abundant and less noble bourgeoisie, this first studied in turn the refinement of this lifestyle. Bonsai at the time were big enough, judging by the prints and paintings representing them. They could rise to 1.40 m. Bonsai often stood in a pyramid shape, very arched.

In the Yuan Dynasty, the Japanese ministers and merchants brought back trees in their country. However, this art was not really integrated into Japanese culture when a Chinese official, Chu Shun-sui, fleeing the Manchu rule in 1644, took his collection with him. He thus initiated some Japanese culture future potted trees called bonsai.

The seventeenth century was the era of the great creations. Mention in passing the imperial villa Kataura (a town 30 km north of Tokyo). The art of bonsai (or Pun-sai) won an even wider popularity, which was confirmed in the eighteenth century. However, the main styles were known breeders of the time. The choice of trees was a large number of conifers and shrubs commonly used elsewhere. Bonsai were installed in large ceramic vases, finely crafted, vivid and bright colors, which gave a real look at these shrubs at the time.

In the nineteenth century, after the fall of the feudal government in 1868, the country opened the door to a new era. The whole of Japan is no longer limited to himself, turned to the West. Therefore, trade became more numerous. Thus, travelers and avid collectors of Japan transported a harvest of plants and shrubs little known. The great age of the exotic bonsai became known in Europe. These often old and shrubs, were passed in inheritance as a precious asset for Europeans and symbolized the Japanese refinement.

Long bonsai were reserved for dominant, feudal and religious classes, especially enjoying the colorful bonsai. Today, this is no longer the case and many Japanese are engaged in the cultivation of bonsai, reviving old traditions. Today, the majestic old bonsai are not exported and are kept in Japan. They are part of the national heritage, handed down from father to son. Bonsai are subject to a flourishing trade in Japan. But now the Japanese are not the only ones to grow.

The first national bonsai exhibition in Tokyo in 1914. The cultivation of bonsai has been recognized as art in Japan qu'en1934. Since then, an annual exhibition held at the Art Museum of the capital.

(Read more in History of Bonsai part 3)