Tree Sculpture by RobGeraghty, on Flickr

Decades of planning and work have gone into forming this pattern of trees and branches. Ritsurin gardens, Takamatsu, Japan.

[cubefarmer]

Tree Sculpture by RobGeraghty, on Flickr

Decades of planning and work have gone into forming this pattern of trees and branches. Ritsurin gardens, Takamatsu, Japan.

Very interesting. Keeps the eye dancing all over the image.

[MikeNArk]

That's no ordinary project. That is a fairly complex pattern that they have achieved. Good shot, Rob.

[RobG]

That's no ordinary project. That is a fairly complex pattern that they have achieved. Good shot, Rob.

Yes, the gardeners at major gardens like Ritsurin are very skilled. In this case, it's like Bonsai design but on full-sized trees. Thank you!

[angkymac]

That is a very fascinating work or art.
That they even conceived of the idea is astonishing.
Is there a religious significance to this "weaving" or "braiding" of branches?
Angky

[OrchidJulie]

Wow...amazing!

[RobG]

That is a very fascinating work or art. That they even conceived of the idea is astonishing. Is there a religious significance to this "weaving" or "braiding" of branches?

Hi Angky! I don't think there's any religious significance to the design, but I could be wrong. Many Japanese trained tree designs (like bonsai) and ikebana (flower arrangements) reply on "negative space" or the absence of anything in part of the design. This design may be about capturing negative space, or invoking a woven design. Woven patterns are very common in traditional Japanese designs for things like tatami flooring, marquetry, shoji screens and architectural features. Ritsurin garden was originally commissioned by a Feudal lord. I don't recall there being any shrine in it, but there was probably a small one somewhere. It was a space for Edo period Samurai to escape from the world and enjoy things like the tea ceremony. You can still have matcha while sitting in one of the pavilions looking out into the garden. Edo period Japan featured a belief in Zen principles where people tried to give up earthly attachments. Most people had few possessions. Even Samurai generally had relatively few possessions but generally received a stipend in rice. Clearly the Daimyo or feudal lords could indulge spending money on gardens and castles.

Wow...amazing!

Isn't it? Lots of work in achieving that result.

[Kerrowdown]

Is the collective noun for this a “knot” of trees.

[RobG]

Is the collective noun for this a “knot” of trees.

Maybe! The Japanese call decorative knots mizuhiki.