5 Oldest Bonsai Trees In The World While bonsai is most associated with the Japanese, the practice originated in China. It had grown into an art form by 700 AD, and by 1333 AD the practice had been introduced to Japan. The Japanese took Chinese techniques and refined it into an even more obsessive, meticulous art. Years of careful training is required to master the art of bonsai. Bonsai trees take years to form and train. In many cases the tree’s growth is even deliberately stunted to achieve the desired shape. They are extremely delicate; even the slightest amount of neglect can ruin or even kill a bonsai. Older specimens are priceless, cherished as heirlooms, museum pieces, and collector’s items. The oldest specimens identified are believed to be at least 800 years old. It is impossible to accurately date a tree without damaging it, so the age of most bonsai trees is educated guesswork based on whatever records are available, the kind of tree, and the style of clipping. What’s more, many of the most spectacular specimens are in private Japanese collections and abroad, not accessible to the public. Luckily some of the oldest specimens are on display or, at the very least, have been recorded for the sake of public knowledge. The five oldest of these are the Arnold Arboretum’s chabo hiba cypresses, the Akao Herb & Rose Garden’s red pine, the Yamaki pine, the Happo-en Garden Collection, and the Sandai Shogun no Matsu.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 09:10:22 +0000
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