The art of growing Bonsai trees originates in the Chinese Empire, and like many related art-forms, the Japanese copied and adapted it during the Kamakura period. These related art forms include stone appreciation (Suiseki), keeping koi fish (Nishikigoi) and Japanese gardening. Let's investigate these arts in more detail!
Shohin Bonsai
小品盆栽 & 豆盆栽 - Shohin means “a small thing”, indicating it being even smaller than Bonsai. Although no exact rules were ever formulated, a tree is considered to be a Shohin Bonsai when under 10" (25cm) tall.
Japanese Koi
錦鯉 - Nishikigoi, often called Koi fish or Japanese carp, are fish with colors and patches raised and kept for appreciation. The carp originates from China and was brought to Japan by means of gifts.
Bonsai pottery
盆栽鉢 - Bonsai literally means “planted in container”, which clearly indicates the importance and inseparability of pottery and Bonsai.
Japanese gardens
日本庭園 - Japanese gardens are often part of Buddhist monasteries and Shinto shrines and therefore deeply rooted in religion. The importance of nature in Shinto beliefs is resembled in garden elements such as lakes, trees and rocks; Buddhist elements include mountains, stone groupings and seas.
Accent and companion plants
草もの - Bonsai trees are sometimes traditionally displayed in a Tokonoma, consisting of a Bonsai tree, a scroll and an accent plant (representing men, heaven and earth respectively).
