Japan - Paintings and Screens
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Item Ships From: Japan
Showa Golden Mallow Screen
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This exquisite two-panel screen from the Showa period features a lush depiction of mallows in vibrant hues set against a luxurious golden background. The mallow flower, known in Japa...
Category
20th Century Japanese Showa Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage kimono textile art "Sunset Timelapse ~Ephemerality~" by ikasu Red, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
The art piece uses two sides - front and reverse - of the same kimono, to show beautiful sea surrounding Japan, in hues and in late sunset, as a timelapse.
The frame for this work is made of paulownia wood taken from antique Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono.
I use antique kiritansu that can’t be used as furniture anymore to create basis and frames for my works. It adds them even more authentic atmosphere of traditional wabisabi spirit. Can you feel it?
<< Period / Story >>
The kimono used in this piece was originally crafted during Showa period (around 1960ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
Sea waves, depicted in two color variations here, are a symbol of transience and Impermanence in Japanese culture. The ebb and flow of the tides, the ever-changing currents, and the relentless motion of the waves serve as reminders of the fleeting nature of life. This artwork featuring the sea convey themes of impermanence, reminding viewers to cherish the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life's fleeting moments.
The theme of impermanence is strengthen by two colors of the sea - the lighter in early hues and the darker when the sun is just about to set in the sea.
<< About the frame >>
This artwork frame is crafted from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos, and it serves to convey the refined beauty of Japanese nature.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
Paulownia wood is closely linked to kimono culture. During the Edo period (17th cent.~), it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
1960s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Suiren by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Title : SUIREN
Japan / 2022s
Size : W 610 H 810 mm
Expressing delicate color changes by dyeing many times.
This quilt is made with french linen and cotton.
Hand-quilted with Japanese sashiko...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Linen
Late 19th century (Meiji period) painting depicting tiger
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Antique Tiger Painting on Paper – Meiji Period
A striking depiction of a tiger, painted on paper and signed by the artist. This work was originally part of a Japanese byobu folding ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique obi textile art " View from the Window ~ Shochikubai ~ " by ikasu, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is a glorious nod to buddhist temples circle windows, with beautiful Japanese garden scape seen outside. Golden leaf on the border of a frame is an expression of light goin...
Category
1910s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Japanese Silk Brocade Traditional Two-Panel Folding Screen
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary Japanese contemporary two-panel "byobu" or folding screen featuring a lady from the Heian period court, showcased in "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu, widely int...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk
Vintage kimono textile art "Fern ~Connection to Nature~" by ikasu Black , Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work uses an antique tomesode (festive kind of kimono) with fern design to evoke feelings of tranquility, harmony, and appreciation for the beauty of the environment. Can be used both vertically and horizontally.
It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury.
I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece.
<< Explanation of colors and patterns >>
In Japanese traditional culture, ferns, particularly the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum), hold several meanings and symbolisms:
・Elegance and Beauty: Ferns are admired for their graceful, delicate appearance and intricate leaf patterns. In Japanese aesthetics, they are appreciated for their natural beauty and are often used in gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements to add a sense of refinement and elegance.
・Resilience and Perseverance: Ferns are known for their ability to thrive in diverse environments, including shady forests, rocky cliffs, and damp soil. Their resilience in the face of challenging conditions is seen as a symbol of endurance and perseverance. In Japanese culture, ferns may represent the ability to overcome adversity and flourish despite obstacles.
・Connection to Nature and Tranquility: Ferns are native to forested areas and are often associated with the natural world. In Japanese traditional culture, they symbolize a deep connection to nature and the importance of maintaining harmony with the environment. The lush green foliage of ferns evokes feelings of tranquility and peacefulness, making them popular motifs in Zen gardens and traditional landscape paintings.
・Purity and Simplicity: Ferns are emblematic of simplicity and purity in Japanese aesthetics. Their unassuming beauty and understated elegance reflect the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic worldview that values imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Ferns may be used in tea ceremonies, Ikebana (flower arranging), and other traditional arts to evoke a sense of tranquility and appreciation for life's fleeting moments.
Overall, ferns in Japanese traditional culture symbolize elegance, resilience, connection to nature, purity, and simplicity. Their presence in art, literature, and landscape design underscores their enduring significance as symbols of natural beauty and spiritual resonance.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
This vintage textile is hand-painted with a traditional Japanese technique called "yuzen".
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
1960s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Lumière Ⅰ by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Title : lumière ?
Japan / 2022s
Size : W 990 H 770 mm
A work inspired by light.
This quilt is made with Woven fresh linen and french linen.
Hand-quilted with Japanese sashiko...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Linen
Antique kimono textile art "Kobachi ~ Green Collection ~" by ikasu Green, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by the green color palette, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
In this artwork, the aim was to capture the wide pal...
Category
1920s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Japanese Antiques 6panels, set of 2, Gold back, Flower & bird, folding Screen
Located in Niiza, JP
Material: paper, wooden frame
One sheet: W580×H1750mm, unfolded size: W3520mm, 10kg
Folded size: W600×H1750×D105mm
Estimated packaging (sandwiched with 5mm plywood):
27cm x 75cm x 19...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Paper
Vintage kimono textile art "Marble Story ~ Healing ~" by ikasu Grey, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work uses a vintage kimono fabric with marble pattern, that makes it look like a real piece of marble.
The line in the middle symbolizes “kintsugi” - concept of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of aging.
It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury.
I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece.
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
Kintsugi (金継ぎ), which translates to "golden joinery" or "golden repair," is a traditional Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. I used this tecnique here to "repair" antique kimono by transforming it into art work. Beyond its literal meaning of mending broken ceramics, kintsugi carries profound philosophical and cultural significance in Japanese tradition:
・Embracing Imperfection: Kintsugi celebrates imperfection and impermanence. Rather than disguising or concealing flaws, it highlights them, treating the breakage as part of the object's history. This philosophy encourages acceptance of imperfection as an essential aspect of life, beauty, and human experience.
・Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic: Kintsugi embodies the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic worldview centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Wabi-sabi values simplicity, authenticity, and the beauty of things that are imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. Kintsugi exemplifies these principles by turning what might be considered flaws into features that enhance the object's beauty and character.
・Resilience and Transformation: The act of repairing broken things with precious metals symbolizes resilience and transformation. Instead of discarding or replacing the broken object, kintsugi honors its history and transforms it into something new and valuable. This reflects broader philosophical themes of overcoming adversity, finding beauty in imperfection, and embracing change.
・Honoring the Past: Kintsugi preserves and honors the history of the object. Rather than erasing or ignoring its past, it acknowledges and celebrates it. This aspect of kintsugi can be seen as a metaphor for honoring our own personal histories, including the challenges and setbacks we have faced, and recognizing how they have shaped us into who we are today.
・Spiritual and Philosophical Symbolism: Kintsugi has spiritual and philosophical implications, reflecting concepts such as the interconnectedness of all things, the cycle of life and death, and the pursuit of harmony and balance. The process of repairing broken objects with precious metals is seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and the journey towards wholeness.
Overall, kintsugi represents not only a practical technique for repairing ceramics but also a profound philosophical and cultural perspective on life, beauty, and the human experience. It embodies values such as resilience, acceptance, and the transformative power of embracing imperfection.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
This vintage textile is hand-painted with a traditional painting technique where the colors are added on wet surface, which creates an effect of marble.
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
1960s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
ICHIMATSU by Blue Tip atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Title : ICHIMATSU
Japan / 2020s
Size : W 1480 x H 1480 mm
Each part is dyed with indigo to express a checkered pattern that collapses. This quilt is made with Woven fresh linen. Hand-quilted with cotton thread. Hand dyed with indigo.
[Blue Tip atelier...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Linen
Vintage kimono textile art " Turquoise Forest ~Strength~ " by ikasu Blue, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Fabrics featuring iconic Japanese plants like chrysanthemum, maple, and bamboo were gathered from various long underwear and kimono pieces to create a set of canvases (diameter 30, 25 and 20cm) showcasing exquisite gradations.
The top canvas, in pristine white, originates from long under-kimono, while the middle and bottom canvases are skillfully upcycled from kimono fabrics.
<< Period / Story >>
The long under-kimono and kimono fabrics used in these canvases were originally crafted and worn during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
The pattern on the top canvas features a chrysanthemum, an auspicious emblem symbolizing longevity. It is affectionately referred to as the "raccoon dog chrysanthemum" due to the large, overlapping petals resembling the fur of a muzina, a creature similar to a raccoon dog or badger. This motif is highly popular in various plant-inspired designs and frequently seen in Edo komon, katazome, and jimon textiles.
The top canvas naga-juban under-kimono, being entirely white and devoid of any additional dyes, suggests its use as formal wear. Its pristine white hue accentuates the silk's luster when exposed to light and highlights the beauty of the woven patterns.
The fabric used here is rinzu, a type of fabric thinner than crepe de chine, characterized by its soft, smooth texture and subtle sheen. This particular lintel distinguishes itself with the way its ground pattern emerges and also incorporates a woven chrysanthemum pattern.
The central canvas showcases a maple tree, symbolizing longevity, which changes its colors with the seasons, bringing joy and happiness to people's lives.
The bamboo featured on the lower canvas has been regarded as a symbol of good fortune since ancient times, given its straight and vigorous growth, along with the Chinese legend that a phoenix consumes its fruit. It embodies concepts such as "immortality," "longevity," and "strength" because it remains green even in winter. The hollow stem also signifies "innocence," suggesting that there are no hidden agendas.
All three canvases are adorned with ground patterns that, when viewed from a distance, appear as modern works of art, yet upon closer inspection, they reveal a distinct Japanese ambiance.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
All three canvases are made of fabrics with jimon. The unique and high level of Japanese weaving...
Category
1970s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Vintage kimono textile art "Autumn branches ~ Kintsugi ~" by ikasu Brown, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
The frame for this work is made of paulownia wood taken from antique Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono.
I use antique kiritansu that can’t be used as furniture anymore to crea...
Category
1960s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage obi textile art " Moon phase II " by ikasu Silver, Black, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
<< About this artwork >>
This artwork has been upcycled from a stunning obi, which is adorned with calligraphy weaving saying "moon" and "moonlight".
<< Period / Story >>
The obi...
Category
1970s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silver Leaf
Showa Delicate Floral Screen
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This graceful two-panel screen captures the essence of summer with its subtle depiction of slender grasses and fine lines, artfully arranged against a golden background. The screen e...
Category
20th Century Japanese Showa Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Sawtooth by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Sawtooth
?Japan / 2019s
Size : W 1640 x H 2050 mm
A tribute to the traditional American quilt design made around 1840. Made with organic cotton, and indigo cotton in Alsace region ‘France. Hand dyed with chinese sumac and green leaf on the surface, and pomegranate on the back.
[Blue Tip atelier...
Category
2010s Asian Modern Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Linen
VIntage kimono textile art " Monochrome Geometry " by ikasu Gold, Grey, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature colors symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is filled with storytelling ...
Category
1960s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Japanese Contemporary Orange Black Cream Silk Two-Panel Folding Screen, 4
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary Japanese contemporary two panel "byobu" or folding screen featuring genryoku style handcrafted silk raised kimono Japanese decorative art in Purple, blue, black and ora...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold
Burgundy landscape by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Title : Burgundy landscape
Japan / 2024s
Size : w1460 x h1050 mm
The scenery seen from the train window while traveling in Burgundy.
The material is linen viella with a natural lus...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Linen
Antique kimono textile art " Peacock Feathers ~Royalty~ " by ikasu Blue , Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work uses an antique furisode (festive kind of kimono with long sleeves) with peacock feathers - a symbol of royalty and prosperity. Can be used both vertically and horizontally...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Japanese Antiques , Old Wrapping Paper , Tapestries
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
We present to you a precious old wrapping paper from the Taisho period.
This washi paper was used to wrap important items. It was made by overlapping multiple ledgers, and is chara...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Paper
Vintage kimono textile art "Snowflake ~New Beginnings~" by ikasu Purple, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Six canvases (Diameter approx. 30cm, 25cm, 20cm) use the fabric taken from antique kimono, its' various parts, to create one harmonious fluid image of a snowflake - a symbol of new b...
Category
1970s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Japanese Contemporary Framed Blue Purple Gray Silk Brocade Decorative Art
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Japanese contemporary framed three-dimensional decorative art piece in Japanese traditional silk and brocade in soft green, blue and purple on a deep gray background, recreating an 1...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brocade, Silk
VIntage kimono textile art " Wish for prosperity " by ikasu Gold, Black, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature colors symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is filled with storytelling ...
Category
1960s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Japanese Antiques Hell paintings, pair of hanging scrolls Kakejiku
Located in Niiza, JP
Paper scroll, scroll head: wood
paint size: 450 (W) x 1200 (H) [mm]
Over all: 510 (W) x 1700 (H) [mm]
Comes with double box. box size: 150(W)× 100(H)× 620(D) [mm] 2kg
Hell paintin...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Paint
Elegant Edo period painting by Reizei Tamechika (1823-1864) 冷泉為恭
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Elegant Edo period painting by Reizei Tamechika (1823-1864)
Period: Edo
Size: 113x53 cm
SKU: PTA147
Indulge in the elegance of the Edo period with our superb painting on silk, a m...
Category
19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
one leaf by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Title : one leaf
Japan / 2023s
Size : w790 x h1200 mm
A work that has been unevenly dyed after hand-painting.
This quilt is made with linen viyella, which has a natural sheen.
Han...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Linen
Japanese Traditional Brocade Silk Two-Panel Folding Screen
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Japanese contemporary two-panel "byobu" or folding screen featuring two graceful ladies dressed in elegant formal traditional Japanese kimonos. This folding screen is inspired by Jap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brocade, Silk
Vintage kimono textile art " Cranes ~ Kintsugi ~ " by ikasu White/Red/Gold Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
The frame for this work is made of paulownia wood taken from antique Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono.
I use antique kiritansu that can’t be used as furniture anymore to create basis and frames for my works. It adds them even more authentic atmosphere of traditional wabisabi spirit. Can you feel it?
The piece uses the concept of "kintsugi" - it "unites" the pieces of antique kimono back together with golden leaf to give it a second wind as art work.
<< Period / Story >>
The kimono used in this piece was originally crafted during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
The Japanese saying goes, "A crane lives a thousand years, a tortoise lives ten thousand years," making cranes a symbol of longevity.
Cranes are also known for staying with the same partner for their entire lives, which is why they are often used at weddings and other celebrations to symbolize "marital bliss" and the desire for harmony between husband and wife.
On this particular piece, cranes are flying through snow woven on the fabric, as if they are overcoming all the disasters to get to their beloved ones.
The color scarlet, or deeply dyed red, used for the most of the cranes here, has long been associated with the meaning of "warding off evil." It is believed to possess the power to repel malevolent forces and invite good fortune.
During the Heian period, scarlet was reserved for sacred buildings and ceremonial objects that held great significance. Ordinary people were prohibited from wearing scarlet-red kimonos, which made it a highly special color.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
Cranes, going up and down, are generously decorated by kimpaku here. "Kimpaku" (金箔) refers to gold leaf/foil in Japanese. Gold leaf is a traditional material used in various aspects of Japanese culture, including art, crafts, and even in culinary applications.
In traditional Japanese art, gold leaf is often applied to religious objects, sculptures, paintings, and lacquerware to create a luxurious and decorative effect. The use of gold leaf in art dates back centuries and is associated with a sense of wealth, prestige, and the divine.
Traditional kimpaku technique is used here to make an accent decoration in the middle.
<< About the frame >>
This artwork frame is crafted from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos, and it serves to convey the refined beauty of Japanese nature.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
Paulownia wood is closely linked to kimono culture. During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
VIntage kimono textile art "Geometry ~Marble~" by ikasu Gold, White, Grey, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature motifs symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is elegantly framed with pau...
Category
1960s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage kimono textile art " Plum Gradation " by ikasu Pink, White, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This canvas featuring a plum color gradient kimono showcases a unique decorative variation of the popular seigaiha (青海波) sea waves pattern.
The artwork got a Mr. & Mrs. Abe Arts & Cu...
Category
1980s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Vintage obi textile art "Under the Sun ~Serendipity " by ikasu Red / Beige Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This artwork creatively uses tree bark to evoke the imagery of woods and mountains during both the morning and nighttime on left and right. It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood, a tree closely connected to kimono culture, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury.
By incorporating both the front and back sides of the same obi fabric woven in different colors, the play of light and shadow on the mountains is depicted through the contrasting appearances of these surfaces.
The intention behind this piece is to convey the exquisite beauty of Japanese mountains and the lush forests that inhabit them. To achieve this, traditional elements of Japanese culture, such as obi textiles and craftsmanship involving wood, were used.
The outer side and inner linings of the same obi, no longer suitable for clothing, along with bark material that would normally be discarded, have been repurposed to create this exceptional upcycle artwork.
The fusion of Japanese natural materials – silk, paulownia wood, and pine bark for the central decoration – along with the so-called "Tozan" pattern, a unique Japanese natural design showing mountains from far-away point, captures the magnificent beauty of Japanese nature from various perspectives.
The central bark decoration stands out as a distinctive feature of this work. Pine, oak, and other tree barks are interwoven among the mountains woven into the obi, creating a tangible and authentic natural atmosphere.
<< Period / Story >>
The obi used in this piece was originally crafted during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
This upcycle artwork uses an obi with a tozan pattern woven in two colors. The design is inspired by a distant mountain range, a motif that has been used in paintings and crafts since ancient times. However, in this particular design, the mountains are depicted not as distant peaks but as graceful semicircles giving it a mild atmosphere.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
This upcycled Fukuro-obi (two-side obi) showcases a festive color pattern of mountains intricately woven with gold threads against a beige front and red on the back.
The way this obi interacts with light allows it to shift in expression, much like a mountain revealing different facets over time. It can transform from deep shades of color to the appearance of gold shimmering against bright hues, depending on the lighting and viewing angle.
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage kimono textile art "Flowers ~Life Circle~" by ikasu Pink, Black, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
<< About this canvas >>
This canvas is crafted from three different haori fabrics, each adorned with a shibori dyeing flower motif going through entire fabric. These fabrics tell a ...
Category
1970s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Japanese Calligraphy Paper Scroll Taiga Ikeno(Imitation)【切磋琢磨mutual improvement】
Located in Niiza, JP
Material: paper and wood
Image size: 270(W) x 1270(H) [mm]
Overall: 360(W) x 1900(H) [mm]
BoxSize：75×70×475㎜ 500g
Ikeno Taiga is one of a master of Japanese painting.
This work is ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Paper
Antique kimono textile art " Kobachi ~ Coral Collection ~ " by ikasu Pink, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by the coral color palette, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
In this artwork, the aim was to capture the wide pal...
Category
1920s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
VIntage kimono textile art "Geometry ~Chrysanthemums" by ikasu, white, red Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese natural symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is elegantly framed with paulownia...
Category
1960s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Japan - Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage obi textile art " Camellia ~ Serendipity ~ " by ikasu Blue, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature motifs symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
In this artwork, the aim was to capture the the auspicious symbol of camellia used in antique kimono. Traditional Japanese culture, represented by the kimono, and wood, an integral element of Japanese craftsmanship, were used to bring this vision to life.
I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece.
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
This delicate piece features hand-drawn camellia motifs flowing gracefully on a softly brightened grayish background.
Camellias, native to Japan, bloom from winter to early spring. As an evergreen tree with green leaves throughout the year, it symbolizes the anticipation of spring and is considered an auspicious plant. Due to its seasonal significance and auspicious meanings, camellias have been used as motifs symbolizing good fortune. Additionally, they were highly valued for their use in oil, cosmetics, and medicine, representing nobility. Believed to possess the power to ward off misfortune, camellias also carry the meaning of "protection from calamity" and have strong ties to traditional ceremonies. In this artwork, camellias are delicately depicted alongside flowing branches, subtly representing good fortune with their pale pink and white hues.
"Sora-iro nezumi 空色鼠" refers to a light grayish color with a hint of blue, reminiscent of the slightly brightened sky on a lightly cloudy day. Popular during the late Edo period (19th cent.), it elegantly captures the slightly brighter sky pattern seen on lightly overcast days. Notably, the term "nezumi-iro" (mouse gray), popular during the late Edo period, was paired with brown tones, collectively known as "Forty-eight Teas and a Hundred Mice 四十八茶百鼠." Colors within the "nezumi" (gray) spectrum, particularly "sora-iro nezumi," were favored by young people for their cool and sophisticated appeal.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
The fabric features intricately woven patterns that reveal subtle gradations through dyeing, creating a grid pattern that transforms depending on the light conditions.
Originally, this fabric was part of a formal kimono known as a "hōmongi 訪問着," featuring motifs along the hem, shoulders, and sleeves. These motifs have been carefully selected and combined to create a unified piece of artwork.
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
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