A 3D-printed interactive puzzle-like – Meet the Grid-Bonsai collection
Bonsai is a traditional Japanese technique that recreates the shapes and proportions of adult trees in a much smaller size, fitting in small to medium vases
The Japanese design studio recreated one of the most iconic Japanese traditions, making the art of Bonsai easily accessible around the world. Its name is Grid-Bonsai.
Traditionally, Bonsai artists shape the plant by bending and pruning a branch of an adult tree and regrow it in a small vase. The bonsai is then finalized with a beautiful vase decorated with stones or moss. Nendo took a new approach.
Because of the difficulty and expertise needed in the creation and maintenance of bonsai, the popularity of bonsai ownership is mainly a thing in Japan. Despite its admiration from all around the world, bonsai presents a challenge for retailers.
Nendo set to resolve these issues and give a sense of the art of bonsai in a new form. The result became a 3D-printed interactive puzzle-like object which can be easily trimmed using a pair of scissors, maintaining the same pruning element of the technique.
The Grid-Bonsai collection, so entitled because of its grid structure, is composed of seven types of plastic bonsai, referencing the traditional bonsai tree species. The 3D-printed bonsai is easy to use and because it doesn’t need maintenance it makes it easy for stores to sell.
The Grid-Bonsai offers an innovative solution in the form of an interactive puzzle-like object. This 3D-printed item can be conveniently shaped using Bonsai scissors, mimicking the trimming process of a real plant. These objects are designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners, and because they are non-living, they come with no import or maintenance restrictions, simplifying both domestic and international sales.
Yet visually beautiful, the art of bonsai (translating as “planted in a container”) can be controversial since it represents a constrained growth of a living being and a clear demonstration of the human domination of nature.
Through the use of 3D printed plastic, Nendo design studio was able to recreate one of the Japanese most admired and controversial traditions, and accentuate the controversy by making the bonsai tree made of plastic.
How do you like to Grid-bonsai? Would you place it in your home or office?
