Potted landscape art, praised as "silent poetry", "stereoscopic paintings" or "living sculptures", is a rare and delightful Chinese art form. In a pot no larger than a washbasin, ingenious craftsmen create a miniature reproduction of a natural scene using stunted trees and plants, rocks and even water.

History

It is very difficult to determine when potted landscapes first began, since the form was only considered a folk art in its initial stages. A mural in the tomb of Prince Li Xian of the earlyTang Dynasty(618-907) shows that the art form had already won royal favor at that time, although historical records suggest it can be dated much earlier than that -- nearly 4,000 years ago.

Category

Potted landscapes, otherwise known as landscapes cultivated in pots, are made by putting the artistic touch on plants and stones arranged in a pot to make it look like an ornament -- a miniature of natural beauty. In general, potted landscapes fall into two categories: potted landscapes composed of plants (potted plants) and those made from stones and water.

The potted plants are made from old, short stumps that can be easily maneuvered into a desired shape by hanging, binding, trimming, de-leafing and grafting. Some are made to look like moving beasts, some like soaring birds, and others like imaginary animals.

To make a potted landscape using stones and water, the stones must be carved, chemically altered and arranged in a dainty pan pot dotted with miniature pavilions, bridges, boats, plants and lichens. Using finest workmanship, the elements are arranged to conform to the laws of nature, reflecting the natural scenery with poetic charm: "Mountains extending hundreds of miles all are contained in a pot so small."

Potted landscapes demand painstaking efforts and take a long time to complete. Sometimes, a craftsperson devotes all of his/her life to a piece of artwork so later generations can enjoy them to the fullest.

The potted landscape may be as long as nine meters or less than 1 meter. However, the finished product looks heroic and imposing, with lofty, famous mountains, vast deserts, and endless seas condensed into one pot.

Potted landscapes today

In recent years potted landscapes made by the People's Park of Jingjiang City, East China'sJiangsu Province,have won several prizes in gardening competitions both at home and abroad. With their unique styles, the works imitate the natural scenery and pursue new trends; with chic modeling work, the pieces depict far-ranging themes and convey profound and lasting affections. The works combine features of both the magnificence and mystery of potted art in North China and the elegance and grace of potted art of the south.

Nowadays, in Chinese cities big or small, there are many potted landscape exhibitions featured in parks.

(Source: chinaculture.org)