**Artist Introduction**
As plum結び, I create art using "Mizuhiki," a traditional Japanese craft. Mizuhiki has been used since ancient times for celebrations and important occasions, symbolizing "connecting people," "connecting relationships," and "connecting happiness." Among the many Mizuhiki knots, I love the Ume Musubi (plum knot).
The Ume Musubi symbolizes "perseverance," "rebirth," and "happiness," and carries the meaning of "new beginnings" as it overcomes the harsh winter to bloom beautiful flowers in spring. Deeply drawn to its strength and elegance, I make it a point to incorporate the Ume Musubi into all my works. I also named myself plum結び, reflecting my love for the "Ume Musubi." Through my art, I wish to connect people and hearts, like the Ume Musubi, and spread richness and harmony.
**History and Auspiciousness of Mizuhiki**
The origin of Mizuhiki dates back to the Asuka period, when it is said to have begun with the red and white hemp cords tied to gifts brought back by Japanese envoys to隋 (Zui). Since then, Mizuhiki in Japan has signified "warding off evil," "purity," and "prosperity," becoming an essential good luck charm for ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and gifts. Each knot is imbued with prayers for "longevity," "prosperity," and "peace," and is believed to bring good fortune to the recipient.
**About the Structure of Mizuhiki**
Mizuhiki is made by twisting long, narrow strips of Japanese paper into cords, hardening them with glue, and then adding color and gloss. The core is made of paper, making it very light, and it possesses both softness and firmness. This allows for beautiful knotting and folding shapes, enabling three-dimensional and rich expressions. Although it may sometimes appear metallic, it is actually a unique Japanese material based on Japanese paper.
**Plums and Japanese Culture**
While cherry blossoms are now considered the representative flower of Japan, in ancient Japan, "flower" referred to the plum blossom. Numerous poems about plum blossoms remain in the "Manyoshu," indicating that plums have been loved by the Japanese people since ancient times and held a special place. Because plum blossoms are the first to bloom after overcoming the harsh winter, they are considered a symbol of "hope," "new beginnings," and "vitality."
**Mizuhiki as Art**
Inheriting this history and spirit, I elevate Mizuhiki, a traditional craft, into contemporary art. I wish to deliver my works, which use Mizuhiki and the Ume Musubi, to the world as "auspicious art" that purifies the viewer's heart and brings richness and harmony to spaces.
**Happy Golden Harmony – Flow of Unified Blessings**
This artwork expresses the themes of "harmony" and "circulating richness" using Mizuhiki, based on Japanese paper that I created myself.
By mixing yellow and black Japanese paper into white Japanese paper and arranging them to flow from the lower left to the upper right, I express the movement of energy rising and expanding. This flow symbolizes the rise in luck and the turning point in the flow of life.
The five golden Ume Musubi adorning the artwork, while holding the meanings of "perseverance," "rebirth," and "happiness," represent a state where multiple relationships and riches overlap, harmonize, and expand. The number five also carries the meanings of "balance," "stability," and "development," bringing stable, good energy to the space.
Furthermore, by scattering pearls and rhinestones, the artwork is designed to shine when illuminated, bringing splendor and high vibrations to the space.
The golden Mizuhiki symbolizes "prosperity" and "richness," and along with the flowing movement throughout the artwork, it spreads positive energy into the space.
The title always begins with "Happy," common to all my works. This originates from my brand, Happiness Lead, and embodies my desire to be a "guide to happiness." I hope this artwork brings harmony and richness to your space and creates a positive flow in your life.
**Artwork Characteristics**
* **Returns:**As this artwork is a one-of-a-kind original, returns and exchanges are not accepted.
* **Color Changes:**As this artwork uses Japanese paper, its texture may change over time. However, this change is not deterioration but rather a deepening beauty to be enjoyed over time.
* **Mizuhiki Fixation:**The Mizuhiki in this artwork is fixed with adhesive, but it may peel off depending on gravity or the display environment (humidity, temperature, etc.). To enhance durability, heavier parts are reinforced by sewing the paper and Mizuhiki together with thread, but please handle with care.
**Size and Materials**
* **Technique:** Japanese paper, Mizuhiki, pearls, rhinestones* **Size:** Height 50.9 cm × Width 39.4 cm × Depth approx. 5.6 cm* **Weight:** Approx. 2.4 kg
This artwork will be delivered framed in a black box frame.The frame uses UV-cut acrylic glass that blocks approximately 97% of UV rays, protecting the artwork from fading and deterioration. Additionally, its deep box shape allows you to enjoy the three-dimensional beauty of the Mizuhiki as is. The simple yet luxurious black frame enhances the overall artwork, bringing calmness and elegance to the space where it is displayed.