To say that Japanese artist Noriyuki Saitoh is a master when it comes to capturing the anatomical features of tiny insects using only bamboo would be a serious understatement. The level of realism displayed in his creations is simply uncanny.

From the wiry whiskers of grasshoppers to the veiny wings wings of dragonflies and cicadas, the attention to detail in Noriyuki Saitoh’s bamboo insects is breathtaking. It’s true that the natural versatility of bamboo really helps, allowing the artist and his team to bend, score and layer the material to capture every little detail almost to perfection. Or at least that what you’re tempted to believe when you look at his tiny insects, even though things are not quite as they seem.

“Insects I create are never real. Since we are not preparing specimens and replicas, we strictly measure the dimensions and prioritize the appearance impressions, features, and senses rather than proportions being created exactly,” Noriyuki writes on his website.

“People’s eyes appreciate small works. We compensate gaps and colors of genuine and works with knowledge, experience, and imagination. I think that it is fun to appreciate this bamboo work,” the artist adds.

You can see more of Noriyuki Saitoh’s incredibly detailed bamboo insect on his website, but you can also keep an eye on his social media profiles, here and here.

via This Is Colossal