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[F910]From The East To West

by Steve Castle, Ste

Since its beginnings in China, during the Han Dynasty over two thousand years ago, the art of growing miniature trees in containers, bonsai, has had an interesting history. Initially, penjing - as it is called in China, was considered too spiritual for the common folk and only nobles were permitted to own one. During the 14th century, the Chinese invaded Japan and brought with them many aspects of Chinese culture, including religion, calligraphy and penjing. Even today, the Japanese characters for bonsai remain the same in Chinese.

The Japanese developed and refined this art form, still remaining the privilege of the nobles. When they began to lose interest, the art form almost died out completely and was only practiced by a few people. Bonsai rose in popularity, but with the leaning towards coloured flowers and variegated leaves. The development of bonsai as we know it really began during the last century.

Although Westerners had encountered bonsai on their travels in the Far East, and a few had even written articles about them, it wasn't until the end of WW2 that the hobby really began to catch on in the United States. GI's returning from Japan brought with them small samples of these fascinating trees.

Many of them only survived for a short time, but there were enough people curious about bonsai to try to find out how to care for them correctly. The large Japanese-American population in the United States was the major source of information and encouragement, and for many years their knowledge and skills were in demand.

Today bonsai has become a household word. Small cuttings planted in shallow pots are sold as bonsai in department stores, garden nurseries, open air markets and even at gas stations. These are not true bonsai such as produced by artists in Western countries as well as Japan, but they are a start. They at least introduce newcomers to the idea of growing a miniaturized tree in a pot. It is then up to the individual to read books, join clubs and meet other bonsai enthusiasts in order to learn and improve their skills.

As your knowledge and enthusiasm grows, you will surely become more ambitious and begin to create your own bonsai from native plants. You will find the art of bonsai a hugely absorbing and satisfying pastime that will give years of pleasure.

Just like a painting, or a song, fashion also plays a main role in the fusion of different cultures and influences. Eastern and Western cultures engage in an important part in the Fashion trends of today. These two are fused in the fashion industry in many ways, the British borrowing from the Russians, India from the French, Japan and Germany, and the list continues.

Since 1890, fashion expresses tremendous influences from the Eastern culture in the western dress resulting from the artists and designers renowned interest in Art Nouveau. The 1905 war between Japan and Russia and the Chinese revolution in 1911 were fundamental for their inspiration at the moment, as well as today. Some of the most common characteristics are V-necklines, straight seams, hourglass silhouettes, full sleeves toward the end, sleeves sewn to bodice and contrasting wide waistband, to name some.

In any store or designer line, you can find eastern inspired clothing like tunics, beaded necklines on dresses and shirts, jeweled handbags in Sari fabrics, reminiscing different characteristics from the East. Pashminas, for example, are now an every day basic item for most women to wear either on a date to the movies or to a fancy formal gala.

Another essential item in women's wardrobe today is the Kurta top, as simple as it can be it stands from the rest because of its beaded detail. The Nehru jacket, born in the 1940's and remarketed in the 1960's thanks to The Beatles, is still an acclaimed collar style in shirts, coats and jackets.

The element of women wearing pants, men wearing caftans have even translated to comfort while being considered chic forms of relax-at-home fashion. Attire wrapped around the body like kimonos and robes, rich color fabrics, even pagoda sleeves are eastern trends incorporated in western fashion.

Some of the most noted bidding on exotic eastern style in their creations are: Max Mara, exploring sexy necklines and strong fabrics, Cacharel with sweet flower prints, and Lacroix risking it with Japanese type sleeves. Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gianfranco Ferre and Versace are only some of the top names reaching out to their masculine lines by including eastern elements to their lines, like pants made with kimono fabrics, mao necklines, printed belts and even oriental type sandals with the use of silk and heavy silk, these fabrics are the foundation for the exotic oriental look designers are striving for.

The Boho Chic look, on the other hand, can be represented as a western influence on eastern culture; it embraces a unique style where you can appreciate the fusion of both worlds with the modern and contemporary side of the western fashion and just a hint of eastern flair in the jewels and beading.

Season to season, we see fashion face some radical changes, but the east and west mixture is inescapable, resulting always in a beautiful, artistic and also commercial masterpiece representing a multicultural society of designers and consumers.

Article Source : Bonsai How to

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Both Steve Castle & Priyanka Arora are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Steve Castle has sinced written about articles on various topics from Affiliate Programs, Bonsai and Internet Marketing. Bonsai nut of note. new blog at : and my information site at. Steve Castle's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Priyanka Arora has sinced written about articles on various topics from Modelling, Audio Books and Modelling. from a well-known, trusted online store where you can shop for more than 4000 unique fashion products for men, women & kids delivered to you fre. Priyanka Arora's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.