Masa carves a name for himself with Sika deer creation

Sculptor Masa Suzuki is recreating a traditional form of Japanese sculpture at Wakehurst Place near Ardingly.
Artist Masa Suzuki at Wakehurst Place 
Picture by Jim HoldenArtist Masa Suzuki at Wakehurst Place 
Picture by Jim Holden
Artist Masa Suzuki at Wakehurst Place Picture by Jim Holden

Masa, pictured by Jim Holden, has carved the head of a Sika deer into an area of dead wood on a Japanese cedar tree in Wakehurst’s pinetum.

Experts say that the carving will not harm the rest of the living tree and in time – over the next 25 to 50 years – repair tissue will gradually close over the carving as the tree’s natural healing process continues.