nendo's 3D-printed bonsai tree is a sculptural puzzle you can prune

japanese studio nendo has designed a 3D-printed bonsai tree in the form of an interactive puzzle-like sculpture. called the ‘grid-bonsai’, the decorative object features a base that hosts a simple lattice structure, which can be easily trimmed using a pair of bonsai scissors.

images courtesy of nendo

bonsai is a traditional japanese art form that uses cultivation techniques to produce small plants in pots that mimic the shape and proportions of full-size trees. the bonsai’s maintenance requires sunlight exposure and constant watering, which presents a challenge for retailers and owners alike due to the professional expertise required.

nendo tackles these challenges by minimizing owner responsibility when it comes to the ‘grid-bonsai’. using a pair of bonsai scissors, owners can easily trim the cross-knit network of plastic lattices into the desired design, just like a natural plant. alternatively, nendo envisions a companion app that allows users to input their preferred design, which can be sent to a 3D printer to be made.

‘there are seven types of objects, referencing the well-known bonsai tree species, each can be customized from simple extruded form into a smooth rounded form,’ nendo explains. ‘the objects are user friendly, even for beginners, and as they are non-living, there are no import and maintenance restrictions, making over the counter sales easy both domestically and abroad.’

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project info

company: nendo
name: grid-bonsai
photographer: akihiro yoshida