The cultivation of bonsai began more than two thousand years ago in China. An emperor of the Han Dynasty created a representation of his kingdom in miniature. Landscapes were called penjing or pen-sai. The earliest documented proof of penjing is a painting found in the tomb of Prince Zhang Huai of the Tang Dynasty, who died in the year 206 A.D.. When the Japanese invaded China in the nineteenth century, they were so fascinated by the miniature trees in pots that they began to practice the art in Japan. The Japanese word for ‘tree in a pot’ is “bonsai” (pronounced ‘bone-sigh’). Bonsai cultivation in the United States became prominent after the second World War.

Bonsai is the miniaturization of trees and shrubs that occurs by regular pruning of the roots and branches. A mature look is desired; therefore the tree might be planted in the ground to help the diameter of the trunk reach a desired thickness before placing in a carefully selected pot that will show the tree off in a harmonious way. Further enhancement to achieve a mature look is done by altering the shape of the trunk and branches. Wiring the trunk and branches is the preferred technique, but there are other ways of achieving shape.