Under the Sun

Size

73cm x  53cm x 5cm

Materials

silk (outside-layer) , wooden frame (under-layer), bark (pine, oak, sawtooth oak, etc.)

Thoughts behind the work

This work uses tree bark to evoke the image of a mountain in the morning and at night. The work is framed in a frame made of paulownia wood, which is closely related to kimono culture, and is full of storytelling and a sense of luxury.

By combining the face and back of the obi fabric in different colors, the light and shadow of the mountains are expressed by the different ways the face and back are seen.

In this work, I wanted to convey the beauty of Japanese mountains and deep mountain forests, so I used obi, which is a traditional Japanese culture, and wood, which is an essential part of Japanese craftsmanship.

The outer and inner lining of the same obi, which can no longer be used for clothing, and bark that would normally be discarded, were utilized to create the ultimate upcycled piece of work.

The marriage of Japanese natural materials - silk, paulownia (forehead), and pine (bark for the decoration in the center) - and the Toyama pattern, a unique Japanese natural design, expresses the magnificent beauty of Japanese nature from various angles.

The bark decoration in the center is the distinctive point of this work. The bark of pine, oak, sawtooth oak, and other trees are embedded between the mountains woven into the obi, creating a natural atmosphere and tactile feeling.

Period / Story

The obi used in this piece was made and used in the late Showa period.

Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors

This work is an upcycled version of an obi with a tozan pattern woven in different colors.

The design is based on a mountain range seen in the distance, and has been used in paintings and handicrafts since ancient times. The design is not of mountains in the distance, but of gentle semicircles.

Characteristics of the fabric 

This is an upcycled Fukuro obi with a festive color pattern of mountains woven with gold thread on a beige ground on the front and red on the back.

Depending on the way the light hits it, the expression changes like a mountain that shows various faces over time, such as shades of deep colors or gold floating on bright colors.

About the frame

This work is made of paulownia wood, which is uniquely Japanese and associated with kimonos, in order to convey the refined beauty of Japanese nature.

Paulownia is the lightest wood found in Japan. It has been used for furniture, fittings, chests, and musical instruments since ancient times because of its luster, impervious to moisture, and resistance to cracking and distortion.

Paulownia wood is closely related to the kimono culture, and since the Edo period it has been customary to store important kimonos in paulownia chests, which are fireproof and protect them from moisture and insects.

When a daughter was born, paulownia was planted, and when she married, she would have her kimono stuffed into a chest made by cutting it down and giving it to her as a wedding present.

After the Ansei Earthquake of the late Edo period (1603-1868), paulownia chests sold well because of their resistance to fire and their ability to float and protect their contents in the event of a flood.

The decorative bark in the middle is also made of pine, a tree strongly associated with Japanese tradition.

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.