Plum Blossom Night ~Resilience~

Size

73cm x  53cm x 5cm

Materials

silk (outside-layer) , wooden frame (under-layer), silver leafing 

Story behind the work

This artwork uses antique fabric from Taisho era (early 1920ies) kimono and paulownia wood taken from antique kiritansu - chest-of-drawers used initially to keep kimonos.

It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood, a tree closely connected to kimono culture, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury.

I used two pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and silver leaf  to create the ultimate upcycled piece.

The central line is inspired by traditional philisophy of kintsugi - appreciation of imperfection and antique.

Period / Story

The kimono used in this piece was originally crafted during Taisho period (1920ies).

Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors

In Japanese culture, the plum blossom, or ume (梅), holds significant symbolic value.

If we explore the idea of plum blossoms blooming at night, it might evoke a sense of quiet elegance and resilience. Nighttime blooming symbolizes beauty and grace emerging in challenging circumstances, as plum is one of the first flowers to bloom in severe winter. It might also suggest an appreciation for the subtle, understated beauty that isn’t always visible or recognized at first glance. This is also a metaphor for unused kimono - a material for this artwork, a beautiful piece that has been kept without using for a century till now when I gave it a second life as an artwork.

In this work, I empathized the “night” theme with ginpaku銀箔 - a traditional way of silver leafing originally used in pottery. Silver leaf is often used in traditional Japanese art and crafts, including painting, calligraphy, and the decoration of items like screens and ceramics, to add a luxurious and elegant touch. It is similar to gold leaf (kinpaku 金箔) but made from silver. I used ginpaku to depict stars in the sky, moonlight reflected in flowers center, and moonlight around (inside borders of the frame). 

Characteristics of the fabric 

The work uses antique materials and modern techniques and color combinations to create a valuable piece of history that fits perfectly in modern spaces.

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, which offered fire resistance and protection from moisture and insects.

Traditionally, when a daughter was born, a paulownia tree would be planted. Upon her marriage, the tree would be cut down, and the wood would be used to craft a chest for her as a wedding gift.

Following the Ansei Earthquake during the late Edo period in 1855, paulownia chests gained popularity due to their ability to withstand fires and even float in water, thereby safeguarding their contents during floods.

Decoration Advice

Canvas can be displayed on a table, wall, etc. Hanging on a wall requires hooks, tacks or nails. It can also be displayed propped up on an easel. Ideal for a room makeover, housewarming gift, present, or souvenir for a loved one.

Precaution

All the works are made from real kimonos, antiques and vintages. For this reason, the fabric may have traces of long-term use and minor fabric damages. In case there are any scratches or stains, we always add a photo of the area on the item page, so please check before purchasing. Regarding precaution, cancellation and refund policy, please refer to the refund policy in the footer section of the site for information.