[Artist Introduction]As "plum結び" (plum musubi), 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 always incorporate the Ume Musubi in all my works. I have also imbued my love for the "Ume Musubi" into my artist name, calling myself "plum結び." Through my art, I wish to connect people and hearts like the "Ume Musubi," spreading abundance and harmony.
[History and Auspiciousness of Mizuhiki]The origin of Mizuhiki dates back to the Asuka period, beginning with the red and white hemp strings tied to gifts brought back by Japanese envoys to Sui China. Since then, Mizuhiki in Japan has signified "warding off evil," "purity," and "prosperity," becoming an auspicious item indispensable for ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and gift-giving. 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, thin 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 tension. 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," and plums have been loved by the Japanese people since ancient times, holding a special place. Because plum blossoms are the first to bloom after enduring the harsh winter, they are a symbol of "hope," "new beginnings," and "vitality."
[Mizuhiki as Art]Inheriting this history and spirit, I sublimate Mizuhiki, a traditional craft, into contemporary art. I wish to deliver works using Mizuhiki and Ume Musubi to the world as "auspicious art" that purifies the viewer's heart and brings abundance and harmony to their space.
[Happy Twin Phoenix – Sacred Flight of Renewal]This artwork is a piece created with the theme of two phoenixes gracefully soaring. The phoenix has been known since ancient times as a legendary auspicious bird symbolizing peace, prosperity, rebirth, and harmony. In Eastern thought, the phoenix is said to appear only when the world is at peace and full of harmony, and has been passed down as a bringer of good fortune and blessings.
In this work, I used black and yellow Japanese paper, which I created myself, as the base to express the flow of natural energy. On top of this, two phoenixes are expressed three-dimensionally with Mizuhiki. One phoenix is based on gold, and the other is based on navy blue. The two, symbolizing the balance of light and shadow, yin and yang, flap their wings as if responding to each other, creating a flow of energy in the space. The Ume Musubi is placed at the center of the phoenixes, symbolizing happiness, rebirth, and new beginnings. The elegant flow of the wings, drawn by the delicate lines of Mizuhiki, expresses the movement of wind and life energy. This work was created with the wish to bring energy of harmony, rebirth, and prosperity to the space.
The title, like all my works, begins with "Happy." This originates from my brand "Happiness Lead," and carries the sentiment of "wanting to be a being that guides happiness." I hope this artwork brings blessings and harmony to the space it adorns, and creates a flow of happiness in the viewer's life.
[About the Characteristics of the Artwork]* Returns: As this artwork is a one-of-a-kind original art piece, returns and exchanges are not accepted.* Color Changes: Mizuhiki and Japanese paper contain natural materials, so their texture may change over time. Please enjoy this change as part of the artwork's charm.* 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 great care.
[Size and Materials]* Technique: Mizuhiki, Japanese paper* Size: Oigasa size (Large frame size)394 mm × 509 mm* Frame Color: White
This artwork will be delivered framed in a white box frame. The frame uses UV-cut acrylic glass that cuts approximately 97% of UV rays, protecting the artwork from fading and deterioration. The deep box shape allows you to enjoy the three-dimensional beauty of Mizuhiki as it is. The simple and elegant white frame enhances the entire artwork, bringing tranquility and dignity to the space where it is displayed.