Plum blossoms in Maple Leaves "Life Cycles"

Size

about 25cm diameter x about 2cm x 2 items

Materials

silk (outside-layer) , wooden frame, cotton linen canvas (under-layer)

About this canvas

This canvas set was created using two different kimonos, both featuring a maple leaf design as a focusing point. One kimono showcases blue maple leaves, representing spring, while the other features plum blossoms, symbolizing winter. This combination of seasonal motifs on kimonos is quite uncommon.

To enhance the representation of the four seasons, hand-drawn fireflies have been added to these two canvases, offering viewers an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of all four seasons in this one artwork.

Period / Story

Both kimonos featured in this canvas were crafted and worn during the late Showa period, likely dating from the 1970s.

Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors

On the left canvas, the maple leaf symbolizes "longevity" and undergoes seasonal color changes, delighting people with its beautiful hues, signifying success and happiness in life.

The canvas on the right is made of a kimono adorned with delicate green maple leaves and red and yellow plum blossoms on weeping branches. The combination of the green maples and red Japanese apricots against the natural background is visually pleasing. The green maple represents the season when maple leaves transition from young to green, evoking the feeling of early summer, especially in May.

Maple leaf patterns have been used on kimonos since the Momoyama period (1573-1600) due to the appealing colors and leaf shapes. The name "Kaede" (maple) is derived from the resemblance of its leaves to a frog's hand, hence the name "Kaerude" (frog).

Ume (Japanese apricot) is often referred to as "the first of the hundred flowers" because it blooms fragrantly even in extremely cold weather. Plum trees are originally from China and were introduced to Japan by Japanese envoys returning from Sui and Tang China during the Nara period (710-794). They are prominently featured in the Manyoshu, the oldest anthology of Japanese poetry, and have been cherished as a flower heralding the arrival of spring.

Characteristics of the fabric

Maple patterns are woven throughout the glossy base fabric, creating a visually captivating effect. The set has an elaborate design where the three-dimensional maple pattern emerges across the entire canvas, coming to life as it captures and plays with the light.

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.

The last pictures in the gallery are the pictures of the reverse side of the canvas, the attachments and the package.