Penjing,
which literally means
‘miniature landscapes’,
is
the art
of growing potted,
topiary-like
trees.
The art form
originated in
China, though in the
West, it is usually
referred to by its
Japanese name, i.e.
bonsai.
By
trimming and pruning the branches and roots, these
miniature trees develop a distinctive shape, typical for
this oriental form of art.