【Artist Introduction】I create art works using the traditional Japanese craft "mizuhiki" under the name plum musubi.Mizuhiki has been used since ancient times in celebrations and important occasions as a symbol of "connecting people," "forming bonds," and "bringing happiness."
Among the many types of mizuhiki knots, I love the Ume musubi (plum knot) the most.The Ume musubi symbolizes "patience," "rebirth," and "happiness," and, as it blooms beautiful flowers in spring after enduring the harsh winter, it also represents "new beginnings."Deeply attracted to its strength and elegance, I make it a point to incorporate the Ume musubi into all my works.My love for the Ume musubi is also reflected in my artist name, plum musubi.Through my works, I hope to connect people and hearts, like the Ume musubi, and to spread richness and harmony.
【History and Good Fortune of Mizuhiki】The origin of mizuhiki dates back to the Asuka period, when red and white hemp cords tied to gifts brought back by envoys to Sui are believed to be the beginning.Since then, in Japan, mizuhiki has come to symbolize "warding off evil," "purity," and "prosperity," becoming an essential auspicious item for ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and gift-giving.Each knotting method embodies prayers for "longevity," "prosperity," and "peace," and is believed to bring good luck to the recipient.
【Structure of Mizuhiki】Mizuhiki is made by twisting thin strips of washi paper into a cord-like shape, then solidifying them with glue, and adding color and gloss.Because the core is made of paper, it is very lightweight, combining softness and resilience.This allows the knots and folds to remain beautifully shaped, enabling three-dimensional and rich expressions.Although it may sometimes appear metallic, it is actually a unique Japanese material based on washi paper.
【Ume and Japanese Culture】Today, cherry blossoms are considered Japan’s representative flower, but in ancient Japan, "flower" referred to the plum blossom.Many poems in the Manyoshu include references to ume (plum), and it has been loved and regarded as a special symbol by the Japanese since ancient times.Because ume blooms first after enduring the cold winter, it symbolizes "hope," "new beginnings," and "vitality."Its fragrant flowers soothe people's hearts and have been treasured as symbols of learning and the arts.
At Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, approximately 6,000 ume trees are planted, and in spring, the precincts are beautifully decorated with plum blossoms.Even today, ume is cherished in Japanese culture as a "flower that heralds hope and prosperity."
【Mizuhiki as Art】While inheriting this history and spirit, I elevate the traditional craft of mizuhiki into contemporary art.Works using mizuhiki and ume knots aim to purify the viewer’s heart and bring richness and harmony to the space, delivering "lucky art" to the world.
【Happy Purple Butterfly – Wings of Awakening】This piece was created based on alcohol ink art and acrylic paints, depicting a "butterfly of awakening" spreading across a background of purple and gold.Purple has long been a symbol of "nobility," "spirituality," and "intuition," while gold signifies "prosperity" and "abundance."By layering these colors, I expressed harmony between inner awakening and outer prosperity.The flying butterfly symbolizes "transformation" and "new beginnings" in life.Its fluttering wings represent the courage and blessing to let go of the old self and soar into a new luminous world.
The artwork features a mizuhiki-formed ume knot along with the butterfly, embodying prayers for "happiness," "rebirth," and "harmony."The ume knot, which blooms after enduring winter, fused with the butterfly, embodies "overcoming difficulties and flying beautifully."The noble purple energy and the butterfly’s free fluttering wings combine to bring deep tranquility and awakening energy to the space, inspiring a new realization within viewers.
The title includes "Happy," derived from my brand name "Happiness Lead," expressing my wish to be a guiding presence of happiness.I also hope that those who acquire this piece will find happiness and that a bright, powerful energy will spread through their space.This "happiness-leading art" features the symbolic meaning of the ume knot—"patience," "rebirth," and "happiness"—and aims to bring harmony and hope to viewers, supporting the cycle of abundance.
【About the Artwork】● Returns: Since this is a one-of-a-kind original artwork, returns and exchanges are not accepted.● Color Changes: Alcohol ink art may change in tone over time.However, this is not deterioration but a unique aging process that adds a deepening character, which I hope you enjoy.● Fixing of Mizuhiki: The mizuhiki is glued in place, but depending on gravity and the environment (humidity, temperature), it may come loose.To enhance durability, heavier parts are sewn with thread to the paper, but please handle with care.
【Size and Materials】● Techniques: Alcohol ink art, acrylic paints, mizuhiki (ume knot)● Size: Height 87.1 cm × Width 62.3 cm × Depth 5.4 cm● Weight: 5 kg
This piece is delivered framed in a black box frame.The frame uses UV-cut acrylic that blocks approximately 97% of ultraviolet rays, protecting the artwork from fading and deterioration.The box-style frame allows the three-dimensional beauty of the mizuhiki to be appreciated as is.A simple, high-quality black border enhances the overall presentation, adding a sense of calm and elegance to the space where it is displayed.