Books are transporting; little worlds exist between the spines, waiting for discovery. That’s the magic of reading, but one Japanese artist has extended that idea in a more physical way by crafting a series of 3D wooden bookshelf inserts that depict urban back alley streets.

The artist known as monde shared the shelves on Twitter, with photos offering a closer look at the intricate designs.

路地裏bookshelf 文庫本サイズ
を作りました。
両面を開くことはできませんが小さくて可愛らしいです。
電源スイッチを表面につけました。

制作2018年 材質 木#design #art #bookend #路地裏#文庫 pic.twitter.com/PlW3mtmLiv

— monde (@monde55212068) November 17, 2018

In translation, the tweet explains that the “back alley bookshelf” is the size of a paperback book. A power switch was inserting on the surface to illuminate the tiny, precise detail, like the rows of square sidewalk, potted plants, and stone steps.

The 3D inserts were created with “material wood” and first made in 2018. monde is currently exhibiting the dioramas at art installments in Japan.

【出展名】MONDE
【出展日】11/11（日）
【ブース】F-82

・路地裏bookshelf 新作
・フリースペース空き地
・ブロック塀ペンたて
・東京マップコースター
・間取り収納ケース 新作
などなど 出品します。@designfesta#デザフェス#デザフェスRT祭#ART-pal pic.twitter.com/ssLICjsdrq

— monde (@monde55212068) October 27, 2018

No word on whether or not the inserts will be available for sale in the future, but for now we can marvel at the artistry from the images they’ve provided on Twitter.

Images: monde