Dragon ~Wish~

One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, collectors, boutique hotels, and lovers of Japanese aesthetics.

Size

approx. 90 cm × 90 cm × 5 cm

Materials

vintage silk, acrylic on antique wood

Edition

1/1 (one of a kind)

Story behind the work

This artwork began with a vintage tsumugi kimono, hand-painted with a dragon emerging from the clouds while holding a sacred pearl.

When I first saw the textile, I immediately thought of the night sky. Instead of leaving the empty black silk untouched, I hand-painted small golden stars across its surface. It became my own conversation with the unknown artisan who painted the dragon decades ago.

In Japan, the dragon's pearl symbolizes wisdom, fortune, and wishes fulfilled. In many Western cultures, we look to the stars with the same hope, making a wish as they appear in the night sky.

I realized these traditions, born thousands of kilometers apart, express the same human desire.

This artwork became my way of connecting the two worlds that have shaped my own life. Having lived between cultures for nearly two decades, I often discover that what seems different on the surface is rooted in the same emotions beneath. The stars and the dragon's pearl became two visual languages telling the same story: hope, belief, and the quiet courage to keep wishing.

Period / Story

Showa period to early Heisei period (mid-20th century to late 20th century) vintage tsumugi textile with hand-painted dragon motif.

Meaning of colors and patterns

Dragon (龍 Ryū)
In Japanese (taken from Chinese) mythology, the dragon is a benevolent guardian associated with wisdom, strength, protection, and the forces of nature. Unlike many Western dragons, it symbolizes harmony rather than destruction.

Sacred Pearl (宝寿 Hōju)
The dragon's pearl represents wisdom, spiritual power, prosperity, and the fulfillment of one's deepest wishes.

Stars
Hand-painted by the artist, the stars introduce a Western symbol of hope and dreams. Across cultures, people have looked at the night sky while making wishes for centuries.

Night Sky
The deep black silk evokes infinity, mystery, and the space where different cultures, stories, and beliefs can quietly meet.

Characteristics of the fabric

Tsumugi is a traditional Japanese textile celebrated for its subtle texture, irregular weave, and understated elegance. Originally woven for everyday wear, it reflects the Japanese appreciation for natural beauty and craftsmanship. The hand-painted dragon demonstrates the exceptional artistry invested in transforming a humble textile into something ceremonial and symbolic.

About the frame

The artwork is framed in antique wood repurposed from a traditional Japanese kiritansu - a chest originally used to store kimono. Reusing this historic material extends the philosophy of cultural continuity while preserving the warmth and character of aged Japanese craftsmanship.

Notes for Collectors

• Created from an authentic vintage Japanese kimono textile (Showa to early Heisei period).
• Hand-finished by the artist using professional artist-grade acrylic paint.
• One of a kind (Edition 1/1). This artwork cannot be reproduced.
• Minor signs of age or previous use may be present and are considered part of the textile's history and authenticity.
• Framed in antique wood repurposed from a traditional Japanese kiritansu (kimono chest), further preserving Japanese craftsmanship through reuse.
• Includes a signed Certificate of Authenticity with edition number, materials, and artwork details.
• Intended for indoor display only.
• To preserve the textile, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and extreme temperature changes.

Decoration Advice

Designed as a triptych, the three panels create a sense of movement as the dragon travels through the clouds beneath a star-filled sky. The artwork works beautifully above a sofa, dining table, bed, or in hospitality and gallery interiors. It can be displayed with narrow spacing between the panels to emphasize the dragon's journey.

Precaution

All artworks are created from authentic vintage and antique kimono textiles. Due to their age and history of use, minor imperfections or traces of wear may be present. These are considered part of each textile's unique history and character. Detailed images of any notable marks are provided where applicable. Please refer to the website's policy section for cancellation and refund information.