Trees clinging to a steep cliff, roots entangled in solid rock and beautifully detailed miniature buildings - welcome to the mysterious world of "Cliff Bonsai".

Japanese artist Daisuke Nakajima created these four stunning miniature landscapes, and agreed to share his creations with us. Enjoy!

Landscape 1

The tree species of bonsai applied here is "Nirekeyaki" (Ulmus parvifolia). The buildings (temples) are made of plastic and were attached to the rock. The stone that becomes the base of the “cliff bonsai” uses the 'ibi-stone' mined at the “Ibi-river” in Japan. I made this cliff bonsai by imagining the temple where the monks live in the mountains of China. This is a mysterious scenery that did not change for thousands of years.

Landscape 2

The tree species of the bonsai applied in this miniature landscape is Ezo-pine (Picea jezoensis). The stone of the cliff is again an ibi-stone. I made this cliff bonsai, imagining the house where the hermit lives. It is a world without sounds that no one can visit. On rising up the spiral staircase, the hermit quietly sings a sutra.

Landscape 3

The tree species of the bonsai in this third landscape is Shimpaku (Juniperus sargentii). I created this cliff bonsai as an image of an amazing temple built near a waterfall. There is a big lake underneath it, where Lotus plants grow in, they form a very beautiful scenery. The flowers of the lotus would bloom in spring, so the monks from the temples could enjoy beautiful flowers.

Landscape 4

The tree species of bonsai used here is Shimpaku (Juniperus sargentii). The stone is again an ibi-stone. I made this cliff bonsai by imagining a tower for monks to pray. There is a strong wind blowing throughout the year in this place. Therefore, the trees are shaped by the wind.

We kindly thank Daisuke Nakajima from Tokyo Bonsai Lifestyle, for writing this article. Visit his site here.