【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 "binding people," "connecting relationships," and "tying 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 into beautiful flowers in spring after enduring the harsh winter, it also represents "new beginnings." I am deeply attracted to its strength and elegance, and I make it a point to incorporate the Ume Musubi into all my works.
Furthermore, I have expressed my love for the Ume Musubi 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 of mizuhiki. Since then, in Japan, mizuhiki has come to symbolize "warding off evil," "purity," and "prosperity," becoming an essential auspicious item for ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, as well as for gift wrapping.
Each knot style 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 thinly cut washi paper into a cord-like shape, then solidifying it with glue, and adding color and gloss. Because the core is made of paper, it is very lightweight, and it combines softness with resilience. This allows the knots and folds to remain beautifully shaped, enabling three-dimensional and rich expressions.
Although it may sometimes appear metallic, mizuhiki 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 (the oldest collection of Japanese poetry) praise the plum, which has been loved and regarded as special by the Japanese since ancient times.
The plum, which blooms first after enduring the cold winter, 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 plum trees are planted, and in spring, the shrine grounds are beautifully decorated with plum blossoms. Even today, the plum is cherished in Japanese culture as a "flower that heralds hope and prosperity."
【Mizuhiki as Art】While inheriting this history and spirit, I elevate mizuhiki, a traditional craft, into contemporary art. I wish to deliver works that use mizuhiki and the Ume Musubi to purify the viewer's heart and bring richness and harmony to the space, as "auspicious art."
【Happy Gold Butterfly – Wings of Celebration】This piece, "Happy Gold Butterfly – Wings of Celebration," is a one-of-a-kind artwork themed around shimmering gold and the graceful flight of a butterfly. Using alcohol ink art and acrylic paints, the flowing gold creates an atmosphere of abundance and blessing that spreads throughout the space.
On top of this, I depict the butterfly's light dance with mizuhiki, scattering red and white Ume Musubi to symbolize vitality and happiness.
The butterfly has long been a symbol of "transformation," "rebirth," and "new beginnings," representing spiritual growth and free flight. The Ume Musubi symbolizes "patience," "rebirth," and "happiness," embodying the power to bloom into beautiful flowers after enduring winter.
The world woven by the butterfly and Ume Musubi expresses "celebrating life's milestones and the power to soar toward a hopeful and joyful future."
【Concept】Like a butterfly dancing freely and gracefully, and like the plum blossom blooming hope, this artwork offers viewers "courage to embrace change and fly toward happiness."
The flowing gold signifies "prosperity and blessing," the butterfly's flight represents "leap in life," and the Ume Musubi symbolizes "happiness and new beginnings."
"Happy Gold Butterfly – Wings of Celebration" is an art piece that brings elegance and lightness to its owner, granting wings toward a blessed future. The title includes "Happy," inspired by my brand name "Happiness Lead," reflecting my wish to be "a presence that guides happiness."
I also hope that happiness will come to those who possess this work, and that a bright, powerful energy will spread through their space.
The Ume Musubi of mizuhiki, with its meanings of "patience," "rebirth," and "happiness," along with the art's ability to bring harmony and hope to viewers, supports the cycle of abundance and becomes "art that guides happiness."
【Work Characteristics】●Returns: Since this is an original, one-of-a-kind 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 deepens the artwork's character, which I hope you enjoy.●Fixing Mizuhiki: The mizuhiki in this work is glued in place. However, it may come loose due to gravity or environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. To enhance durability, heavier parts are sewn with thread to the paper. Please handle with care.
【Size and Materials】●Techniques: Alcohol ink art, acrylic paints, mizuhiki (Ume Musubi)●Size: Height 87.1 cm × Width 62.3 cm × Depth 5.4 cm●Weight: 5 kg
This work 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 you to enjoy the three-dimensional beauty of the mizuhiki. The simple, high-quality black border enhances the overall piece, adding a sense of calm and elegance to the space where it is displayed.