Bonsai are one of the oldest art forms. Bonsai is the ancient art of the Chinese. The word bonsai comes from Chinese to mean a dwarf tree. The art of bonsai actually involves strengthening a tree or making it small. This means making it a mature tree, just very small. The art of bonsai has been around for thousands of years. First of all, it is a simple art known as Pun-Sai. These were simply early potted specimens. (www.bonsaisite.com/history1.html) The Chinese based their tree shaping on dragons and snakes. The Japanese then pioneered their own form of bonsai during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). (www.bonsaisite.com/history1.html)The history of bonsai is long and ancient. The Chinese actually created the first type of bonsai called Pun-Sai. This form was created during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). According to legend, the bonsai was created by the emperor of China. In his court, he created a miniature version of his entire empire. This miniature version was complemented by hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and trees. (www.celestialbonsai.com/history.html) If the legend is true, this would be the first form of bonsai. However, in this courtyard, the trees were relatively tall. Unlike the later form of Bonsai with truly dwarf trees. The trees used here were simply stunted or naturally small. In the form of bonsai, the trees are now dwarfed and kept in pots. It took a long time to develop it because the emperor wanted it for himself. He declared that anyone found with the miniature landscapes would be put to death as they posed a threat to the empire.0rr 2Another legend has it that the Chinese poet and official was named Guen-ming. It is believed that after his retirement he began growing chrysanthemums in pots. S...... middle of paper ......very popular today. Chinese bonsai originate from the landscape of images of flaming dragons and coiled serpents; this takes much more precedence over natural beauty, unlike the Japanese. The Japanese focus on using native species for their bonsai, namely pines, azaleas and maples (considered traditional bonsai). In other countries people are more open to opinion, even perennial herbs and common weeds are grown as summer bonsai. It is generally accepted that most bonsai are trees or shrubs. (http://www.scribd.com/doc/21746464/The-Ancient-Art-of-Bonsai)Works Citedhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/21746464/The-Ancient-Art-of-Bonsai) www.celestialbonsai.com/history.html.)www.celestialbonsai.com/history.html.)www.celestialbonsai.com/history.html.)www.celestialbonsai.com/history.html)www.bonsaisite.com/history1 .html)www.bonsaisite.com/history1.html)