Penjing is the ancient Chinese art of creating a miniature landscape in a container. The word consists in
pen (pot) and
jing (scenery). An artist may use plant material and natural stone for her/his creation, but even a single miniature tree can make up a beautiful composition.
History
Penjing as an art form spans over a thousand years. Earliest historical records of a stone and a plant arranged in a container to form an artistic scenery date from the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Peijing’s goals
The Penjing artist's goal is not only to re-create a natural scenery in a container, but to capture its essence and spirit. Like a Chinese landscape painting, a penjing is a study in contrasts. Artistically, the contrasts create rhythm and dramatic tension which then is resolved in a dynamic balance, a delicately tuned equilibrium.
Penjing artists do not seek to create perfection. Apart from being beautiful, an outstanding
Penjing must look entirely natural. It should look as if Nature herself had spontaneously created it, like a marvellous accident.
Peijing vs. Bonsai
The art of creating miniature trees reached Japan by the 13th century. Where gave life to the art of
Bonsai. Over time, this art slowly began to adapt a more naturalistic style; while even rock landscapes that lack plant materials are considered
Penjing.
Spiritual aspect
Penjing and
Bonsai are viewed as objects of meditation. The act of creating
Penjing is a contemplative, meditative exercise, a practice of Zen. The little trees and miniature landscapes are a celebration of Nature. Creating and taking care of miniatue trees will brings closer to nature, enabling the artist to experience her in a more direct, intimate way.
Fonts and in-depths:
usna.usda.gov, ceynix.co.uk, venuscomm.com
