The spiritual and cultural significance of growing miniature bonsai trees derives from a thousand-year-old horticultural tradition in Japan, representing a careful, contemplative and Zen-influenced relationship between humans and nature. Taking up this time-honoured practice of cultivating trees, Japanese artist-architect Takanori Aiba gives his bonsai an unusual twist by adding on miniature, realistic structures like bridges, stairs and intricately detailed buildings.

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Image © Takanori Aiba