Report, The History of World Bonsai

 

-Need correction about the history of world bonsai -

 

 

Wall paintings of Dance Grave (300AD~500AD)

 

 

In history of bonsai, it is noted that the origin of bonsai is found during China's Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD). A picture of bonsai was found on the grave of Lee Hyun Prince Zhang Huai, who was the son of King Tejong. However, this ancient historical tidbit is an error and is in need of correction.

During periods of three Korean dynasties, myriads of gardens included ponds that were nature-arctically built.

Some examples include:

In classic history books Vol #3 of Back Je Bongi, and Vol#26~27 of Samguk Sagi by Busik Kim, it is recorded that during King Munmu Sinra Dynasy (675AD) there were, in the royal palaces, plants flowered between rocks which brides took care of.

Even further back in history, images of bonsai can be traced back to Koguryeo Period (34BC ~ 926AD), where wall paintings of dance grave (ad300 ~ AD500) included bonsai and the images of bonsai were painted on its wall. It is approximated that the graves were created around 300AD - 500AD.

The grave's wall paintings of Dukhung-Ri, which is dated back to Dec. 12th 408AD ( Jin Died at 77 years of age), and of An-Ak #3 grave, which is dated back to 357AD show the same Buddhist forms of water-lily (lotus) as is shown on dance grave. This connection shows that the dance grave was during the same period.

These wall paintings of bonsai on dance grave of Koguryu Dyansty is at least 200 years prior than the ones found during China's Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD).

Due to these evidences, the following excerpt from world's bonsai history stand in need of correction:

"The earliest documented proof of bonsai was discovered in 1972 in the tomb of Prince Zhang Huai, of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 A.D.) who died in 706 A.D. Two wall paintings discovered in the tomb show servants carrying plants resembling bonsai. In one of the paintings a servant is seen carrying a miniature landscape and in the other painting a servant is shown carrying a pot containing a tree."

 

 

 

Bonsai in Dance Grave

 

 

 

Benny Byunghee Kim 

 Honorary President of Korea America Bonsai Society