Trimmed and clipped with utmost care, through intricate yet expert handling, Bonsai versions, literally meaning 'Tree in a pot' in Japanese language, those of Fig, Banyan, Pakur, Krishnachura, Koroi, Shishu, Arjun, Gamari, Date, Guava, Oak and other species were put on show before visiting guests.

The technique of Bonsai has enabled connoisseurs to enjoy the sight of a full-grown tree, keeping each and every natural characteristic intact, except for the tree's miniature size with purpose of planting it within a small pot or tray.

Bonsai, in Bangladesh, first saw light in 1999 with the floating of Bangladesh Bonsai Society which since then has been promoting practice of the noble art among commoners through provision of membership and training courses. The society has, so far, organized a total of eight exhibitions including four regular annual shows, all in the city. Susumu Nakamura, an international Bonsai Master from Japan conducted a two-day workshop in Dhaka last year on the event of the Japan Week through courtesy of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. Members of Bangladesh Bonsai Society took part in the workshop.

"Its an obsession with me" remarks member Shaukat Islam. He describes the traditional thought behind this art,which is simply explained as "the art of living." Upon the first glance, a bonsai tree takes the shape of an irregular triangle. "The lower point symbolizes the earth, midpoint symbolizes human life and the top point symbolizes elevation or the spiritual level" explains Islam.

More than a 100 bonsai trees were exhibited, including traditional styles namely broom, informal upright, slanting, saikei, semi cascade, multiple trunk, twin trunk, forest, landscape and many others.

As said by Sayeeda Zahid, a leading member of the Bangladesh Bonsai Society, the art form has, so far, had a firm and steady progress in this country since the late-90s with a gradual increase in the number of Bonsai artists. 'A close cooperation has ever since been existing between Bangladesh Bonsai Society and the Embassy of Japan that is hoped to last long and the society expresses its whole-hearted thanks and gratitude to the Embassy for its continual support towards the development of Bonsai art in Bangladesh', Sayeeda added.

'Bonsai, the traditional Japanese art form first took flight during the ancient Heian period in between 8th and 12th century, the practice of which further developed five centuries later in the Edo period', informed Matsushiro HORIGUCHI, the Honorable Ambassador of Japan in Bangladesh while delivering his official message on the eve of the Dhaka exhibition. The visitors to the Japanese Imperial Palace would relish artistic displays of Bonsai from early Tokugawa Shogunate that dated back up to four centuries, the Ambassador added. The Japanese Ambassador wished every success of the exhibition and hoped such shows would help strengthen the on-going friendly relations between the people of Japan and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Bonsai Society has plans of holding a fresh Bonsai exhibition at the BRAC Centre Inn in the city next August as part of its routine annual show.