The word Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) literally means "planted in container". It is simply the art of cultivating miniature trees in a pot. Each plant is kept miniature by pruning and shaping. Originated in China around 200 A.D., it spread to Japan during the Heian Period (782 - 1185). This art form was further developed and refined by the Japanese during the Meiji Period(1867-1912) to what we actually know as bonsai of today.

     The collection began as several small gifs for tags on my Home page. Since then several folks have asked for copies and, given the interest, I thought others might like to be able to get copies without going through me...so, please consider this my small contribution in the internet.

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