Craft Work Stories

SUNPIKA's creative belief is rooted in the respect for the preciousness of the "everything" nature that has long been rooted in Japanese culture. Various cultures were born from the roots, and there is a history of discovering and cultivating a unique aesthetic sense such as "mono no aware" and "Yin Ei Rai San".  I hope that we can evolve and develop various unique values such as the world view of "Nohgaku", which is said to have been around for more than 600 years, and the unique culture that invites people, from a global perspective.

KIRIN NO MA

ー麒麟の間ー

1. Japanese pine tree(sacred tree)
A large tree growing strongly from the ground , fulfilling energy as a deity of SUNPIKA.
2. Aka fuji
Mt. Fuji is usually visible in the color blue. However a rare phenomenon exists. “Aka fuji” is when the blue mountain, Mt. fuji appears in crimson color during the early mornings of late summer to early autumn. Aka Fuji is also a seasonal word for summer.
3. Kirin
A legendary animal that has appeared in Japanese mythology since ancient times. It has also showed up as a motif in “Choujuugiga” (Japanese traditional caricatures of birds and wild animals) and many other works of art.
4. Camellia and cherry blossom
Camellia, a symbol of winter and cherry blossom, a symbol of spring are usually drawn to manifest a moment of glory andtransience. A method in folding screen painting which is an expression for transition in seasons within one painting was also used in this mural art.

SHISHI NO MA

ー獅子の間ー

1. Japanese pine tree
The pine tree depicted in “Noh” stage is commonly drawn short and broadened. Man made form of pine trees can be also found in bonsai trees and is cherished for its beauty.
2. Cranes
Red-crowned crane has been used extensively in Japanese art as a motif of good luck for its conservative and graceful figure which is also considered sacred.
3. Shishi
The shishi(lion) has taken root in Edo(now Tokyo) as a good omen to exorcise demons and celebrate the spirits. The word, “A-Un”, consisting of “A” with its mouth wide open and “Un” with its mouth completed closed, are said to represent from the beginning to the end of a universe.

RYŪ NO MA

ー龍の間ー

1. Japanese pine tree
Japanese pine tree has long been a favorite auspicious tree depicted in “Noh” stages and folding screen paintings. The act of pine branches blending into the sea of clouds portrays an abstract state of an illusionary world.
2.Silver grass
Silver grass, a symbol of autumn grass is also a motif to express wind.
3. RYŪ (dragon)
In japan, dragon is believed to be a sacred motif and has long appeared in the world of ancient mythology.

Art by KIYOSHI KURODA
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