Pham Bao Khanh Linh creates entire landscapes in miniature. He began learning the art from his grandfather at the age of 12, and his inspiration comes from real life and from Vietnamese culture. The tiny landscapes combine mountain scenes, forests and water, all arranged in a plate or tray. Throughout Vietnamese history, miniature scenes have been built by many important people, including emperors, kings and generals.
Although bonsai plants are an important part of Vietnamese miniature landscapes, the shaping of the trees is not as rigidly defined as bonsai you’d see in Japan. However, rocks are very important, symbolising the permanence and the wonder of nature. They are always arranged as mountains, which must look good from all sides and from the top.
Linh and his friend Ambrose Dinh explained to Don that bonsai and the creation of miniature landscapes and scenes is a popular hobby in Vietnam, and one that is continuing to evolve.
For Linh and Ambrose’s recipe for North Vietnamese Spring Rolls, click here.
Linh’s bonsai designs range in price from $1,500 to $25,000. If you are interested in buying one of Linh’s beautiful creations, contact him directly on 0422350497