Abstract
Chinese Bonsai (potted trees) have at least 1300 years' history. To shape dwarf trees into artistic forms, training is always necessary. A number of training techniques such as pruning, trimming, wiring and defect correction are commonly used. These variously depend on the historical periods. So, this paper studies the change and development of these, especially pruning and wiring.
Pruning, the traditional method of training Bonsai (potted trees), is used for correcting tree forms or postures as well as for retarding natural growth. During the Ming and Qing Periods, the method of cutting off downward-growing branches, inward-growing branches, branches that cross each other, as well as weakened and withered branches was developed.
Wiring, a relatively modern method of training Bonsai (potted tree) trunks and branches into the desired forms began in the late Qing Period. Hemp-rope binding was used in the Tang Period and Palm-rope binding was used in the Ming Period before the use of wiring.
