Bonsai, as a unique form of art, originated in our country and has been passed down to the present, deeply loved by people. It uses natural elements such as trees, mountains, and stones, as well as water landscapes as materials. Through ingenious design and exquisite techniques, it condenses the charm of nature into a small space. Bonsai has many categories, and each has its unique artistic appeal. This article will introduce several types of bonsai to help you better understand this traditional art.
Classification by Materials
1. Tree Bonsai
Tree bonsai is the most common type in the art of bonsai, using trees as the main material. According to the growth habits and morphological characteristics of trees, it can be divided into several types:
- Bamboo Bonsai: Using bamboo as the material, it showcases the resilience and elegance of bamboo.
- Pine and Cypress Bonsai: Using pine and cypress trees as materials, it reflects their tenacity and indomitable spirit.
- Cedar Bonsai: Using cedar trees as materials, it displays the grandeur and majesty of cedar.
2. Stone Bonsai
Stone bonsai uses stones as the main material, creating a landscape of mountains and water through the arrangement and combination of stones. According to the shape and characteristics of stones, it can be divided into several types:
- Water Landscape Bonsai: Using water stones as materials, it presents the agility of water and the stability of stones.
- Desert Bonsai: Using stones from the desert as materials, it represents the vastness and mystery of the desert.
3. Aquatic Bonsai
Aquatic bonsai uses aquatic plants as materials, creating a water town scenery through the arrangement and combination of aquatic plants. According to the types and characteristics of aquatic plants, it can be divided into several types:
- Lotus Bonsai: Using lotus flowers as materials, it showcases the elegance and beauty of lotus.
- Lily Bonsai: Using lilies as materials, it represents the purity and nobility of lilies.
Classification by Style
1. Ancient-style Bonsai
Ancient-style bonsai takes ancient bonsai as a template, pursuing a simple and elegant artistic style. Its characteristics include: simple shapes, smooth lines, and strict composition.
2. Modern Bonsai
Modern bonsai is guided by modern aesthetic concepts, pursuing innovative and unique artistic styles. Its characteristics include: novel shapes, bright colors, and flexible compositions.
3. Themed Bonsai
Themed bonsai is based on a specific theme for creation, conveying a specific artistic conception through the representation of bonsai, such as landscape bonsai, bird and flower bonsai, figure bonsai, etc.
Classification by Production Techniques
1. Natural-style Bonsai
Natural-style bonsai is based on natural landscapes, pursuing a natural and simple artistic style. Its characteristics include: natural shapes, smooth lines, and harmonious compositions.
2. Artificial-style Bonsai
Artificial-style bonsai focuses on artificial creation, pursuing an exquisite and delicate artistic style. Its characteristics include: unique shapes, beautiful lines, and clever compositions.
3. Comprehensive-style Bonsai
Comprehensive-style bonsai combines natural-style and artificial-style, pursuing a harmonious unity between nature and artificiality. Its characteristics include: rich shapes, diverse lines, and novel compositions.
Bonsai art has many categories, and each has its unique artistic appeal. By understanding the classification of bonsai, we can better appreciate and create bonsai, inheriting and promoting this traditional art. According to data from the "Chinese Bonsai Art Almanac," there are already several million bonsai enthusiasts in our country, and bonsai art has a broad market and a solid popular foundation in China. I hope this article can provide some help for you on the road to bonsai art.