Penjing is a Chinese term which means roughly the same as bonsai (plant in a container). Penjing appears to cover a wide range of styles which developed in China 1,500-2,000 years ago.
During the Chin dynasty (221-206 BC) China and Japan started to make social and spiritual contact when Buddhism was introduced into both countries. It appears that many Buddhist priests encouraged the ceremonial use of potted plants as part of religious rituals. The precision and attention to detail that applied to the art form was then developed and improved by Japanese practioners.
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