“Shinnen (New Year)". The furisode kimono, with its very long sleeves, is usually worn by younger unmarried women and is also worn by the bride in traditional Japanese weddings.The colors and patterns are often bright and intricate except for weddings where a white silk furisode with white, gold or silver embroidery is common.
Fig.1 ‘Shinnen (New Year)‘, Jan 2021
Three Friends of Winter
The furisode I designed for this painting shows a pattern associated with the New Year. Auspicious cranes surrounded by the “three friends of winter” (bamboo, plum and pine). I truly enjoy creating these light and airy paintings,all the while understanding that bolder colors are easier to read. A work like this one is easily passed by in the blurriness that is social media.
Fig.1a
Relationship to Kimono
Over the years I have developed a relationship to kimono that forms one of the foundations of my art. After deciding on the scene to depict, my mind immediately becomes occupied with the thoughts of what kind of kimono the person/persons are going to wear. And if I haven’t found something inspiring in one of my books, where can I find what I need? These are highly pleasure problems that makes my day highly interesting.
WHY THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PAINTINGS…
About 17 years ago, I found a beautiful Uchikake (wedding kimono) on an online auction place. Since I have always been a the type of artist that barely scraped by, I put down a low bid and let my hopes fly out the window. To my amazement, I won! Two weeks or so later, a package arrived from Japan. I still remember how utterly exited I was when I opened it. The kimono was wrapped in the customary washi paper, which had a very faint scent of a traditional Japanese home. Some of you will know what I am talking about. A light hint of tatami matting combined with wood notes. I have always cherished this scent of heaven.
Fig.1b Detail
Sheer Beauty
Hidden within the protective wrap was a painfully beautiful light cream silk Uchikake, embroidered with cranes and flower carts in white silk thread. The day after, I displayed it on the wall of my tattoo studio, and ever since then, I have been mesmerized by its sheer beauty. Over the years, I have lived with this Uchikake, either displayed at my studio or in my home. I just cant seem to tire of looking at it. In fact, as I am writing this, I keep glancing over to it on the wall of my combined living space/ art studio.
My Own Design
”Shinnen” was an attempt to capture the essence of its beauty, even if the Uchikake in my painting is not the one on my wall, but rather of my own design. It is my hope that some of the essence will transfer over to the viewer, and I would be truly happy if you would take it to your heart.
Click HERE for Senju Shunga's kitsunebi foxfire featuring nude model Lillias Right
The "Shinnen (New Year)" print is available in the artist's gallery (we're not an affiliate!)
