Penjing was originated in ancient Chinese times, used mainly in gardening. Starting from 2000 B.C. up into 200 B.C., the art underwent many identification classifications through the three dynasties that ruled China. Gardening in general became a royal addition to the Ruler's environmental preferences. Chinese history places the Dynasties of Hsia, Shang, and Chou during these times.
As time passed, the art of gardening and displaying exotic trees was rapidly becoming a desire of Emperors. Certain specialized tools were beginning to surface resembling those of today's authentic Chinese bonsai tools. In fact Emperor Shih who ruled during the Ch'in Dynasty used his wealth for creating many gardens in the vast amount of palaces he possessed. He hired people just for this feat, bought the tools and expertise to be successful. Most notably, these gardens displayed rare trees and flowering exotic shrubs. These beautiful gardens and parks started to feature water elements and rocks with trees; much like modern penjing tries to incorporate. These attempts continued through the Han Dynasty. Much gardening in these times even became artificial by trying to recreate natural beauty certain in areas of the land.
During these times and immediately after, paintings of bonsai appeared in Chinese historical archaeological investigations. These paintings illustrated that flowering trees were placed in decorated containers that were placed on stands. The basic elements of bonsai were documented in ancient paintings by the Chinese.
