Recognized as a form of Japanese woodblock painting, the word Ukiyo – meaning “floating world” – was created between the 17th and 20th centuries. With respect to its legacy and the artists who perfected the landscape and folklore imagery, a new wave of Ukiyo has come to life by three designers in the 21st century.

Ukiyo-e. Designed by Vertilignes.

It’s a floating garden by Vertilignes, designed by Florent Coirier, Grégory Marion and Laurianne Lopez that has been cleverly named Ukiyo-e, since it brings landscape design right to the eye level.

Suspended Planter made from Resin and Fiberglass

Thanks to a very specific soil developed by Vertilab, the floating garden is designed to last longer than normal soil. Made from a combination of organic and non-organic components, the vertisol of the Ukiyo-e extends the life expectancy of a plant since it does not need to be watered as frequently. By allowing for more time between waterings, the plant acts more like a work of hanging art in your space than it does like a hanging plant, and with less fuss. What better way to appreciate our green earth than to suspend it in your very own space, where it can change and flourish?

Contemporary novelist Asai Ryōi provides us with some insight into the concept of Ukiyo in his book, Ukiyo monogatari (“Tales of the Floating World”, c. 1661). Using our vivid imaginations, he suggests, help us in “living only for the moment, turning our full attention to the pleasures of the moon, the snow, the cherry blossoms and the maple leaves; singing songs, drinking wine, diverting ourselves in just floating, floating.”

Thanks to Ukiyo-e floating garden, we can watch as landscape art takes on life of its own and witness the floating world in all it’s splendor.