Sun ~Radiance~

Size

about 50cm x about 25cm x 2items

Materials

Silk and golden leaf on wood
Wooden frame

Edition 

one of a kind 1/1

About this Artwork

This artwork consists of two independent yet connected pieces.
They may be displayed together as a single composition, or used separately - each complete on its own, yet enriched when reunited.

The work invites the idea of sharing: one piece can be kept by someone special, with the artwork becoming whole again when the two meet. A quiet symbol of connection, distance, and return.

Designed for versatility, the pieces can be hung on the wall or placed as art objects on a table or shelf, adapting naturally to both private and architectural spaces.

One piece is created using vintage kimono fabric, the other with vintage obi fabric. The sun motif embroidery is carefully brought from different antique obi textile, while the rays of sunlight are hand-painted by the artist using gold leaf. Each material carries its own history, traditional techniques, and passage of time.

Through collage and fusion, the artwork brings together fragments of the past and a contemporary artistic language, transforming traditional textiles into a new expression of light, memory, and continuity.

Period and Story

Both the kimono and obi textiles used for the background are vintage, dating to the late Shōwa period (1960–1980ies), while the central embroidered element is antique, dating to approximately the 1920s.

Explanation and Meaning of Pattern

In Japanese traditional culture, the sun is a fundamental symbol of life, continuity, and renewal. Japan has long been identified as Nihon - the land of the rising sun - and the sun represents beginnings, cyclical time, and the sustaining force of nature. In Shinto belief, the sun is personified by Amaterasu Ōmikami, whose light signifies harmony, order, and the balance between the natural and human worlds.

In visual tradition, the sun is often rendered with restraint rather than spectacle. It is understood not as an overpowering presence, but as a quiet, constant force that supports growth and stability. This interpretation places emphasis on endurance, protection, and subtle vitality.

When introduced into a space, a sun motif carries these associations with it. The artwork does not merely occupy the environment, but gently influences it, bringing a sense of warmth, continuity, and calm energy. Rather than commanding attention, it establishes a point of balance, allowing the surrounding space to feel grounded and composed.

In this way, the sun functions as both image and atmosphere: a symbolic source of light that shapes the emotional and spatial experience of the environment it inhabits.

Description of Fabric Characteristics

In this kimono textile, the jimon (地紋), or ground weaving, plays a quiet yet essential role. The sea waves are not printed but woven directly into the fabric, creating a subtle play of light and texture. This intricate weaving technique gives depth to the background - a shimmering foundation where patterns appear and disappear depending on the angle. It’s a hallmark of refined Japanese craftsmanship, where beauty is found in layers barely visible at first glance.

Each canvas is unique, and no two patterns or placements are exactly alike - making it a truly one-of-a-kind addition to your home.

Display Recommendations

Perfect for tea rooms, meditation spaces, minimalist bedrooms, Japandi-styled living areas, or as part of a curated Japanese art collection. Complements natural wood furnishings, tatami-inspired elements, and spaces incorporating shoji screen aesthetics.

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.