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Shohin-bonsai history and art

Bonsai can be found as far back in history as the Chinese legends of the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220), where the power of miniature landscapes with trees is described.

Written records from the third and fourth centuries also describe trees planted in containers. Stories of trees in pots are even more evident during the Tang dynasty (AD 618–906).

Bonsai is closely related to the principles of Zen Buddhism, which influenced the art of bonsai as practiced in Japan for almost a thousand years. Bonsai found its favour with gentry -  rich merchants with time on their hands. Maintaining a bonsai garden was then, as now, a peaceful and time-consuming hobby.

There is some uncertainty about when bonsai reached Japan. Kan Yashiroda, a bonsai master and author, believes he has found evidence of bonsai in a scroll called Kasugagongen-genki, dating from the Kamakura period (1180-1333).

The first Japanese bonsai association

The Nippon Bonsai Association was established in 1934 by professional bonsai artists and bonsai enthusiasts.
Over time, the art of bonsai has developed into a practice enjoyed all over the world. During the Second World War, soldiers brought bonsai to the West, and today most Western countries have national federations and clubs. Bonsai has spread its peace to the African continent, Europe, Australia, South and North America.

Shohin-bonsai history

Shohin-bonsai has a shorter history. In Japan, it dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867). The All Japan Shohin-Bonsai Association was founded in 1968. There are about 68 chapters in Japan today, and recently a Mame-Bonsai association was founded as well.

Every January, the All Japan Shohin Bonsai Association sponsors the Gafu-ten, Elegant Wind Exhibition in Kyoto. The first Gafu-ten was held in 1975. Other smaller Shohin and Mame-exhibitions are held throughout the country.

Shohin-bonsai has also found its way to the largest and oldest continuing Japanese exhibition, the Kokufu-ten, held every February and arranged by the Nippon Bonsai Association. This exhibition has taken place since 1934, pausing only for World War II.