花文字で描く「鶴」・色紙。飛鶴を描いてみたかった

花文字の「鶴」

About this work/Read more

This is my submission for the 3rd Printed Exhibition of the Hanamoji Sommelier Association, published on October 23, 2024.

I wanted to depict the newly introduced design, Tobizuru (Flying Crane), which was announced in the association’s newsletter, Issue No. 20, published on April 6, 2024. With that in mind, I naturally chose the character “鶴” (Crane).

Many of the works submitted to this exhibition are donated to welfare facilities. I selected the crane character with the hope that residents, their families, and those involved would spend their days in good health and with a bright spirit. Cranes symbolize longevity, and by incorporating the imagery of flying cranes, I also intended to convey a sense of hope and progress.

For the layout, I placed the character “鶴” (Crane) at the center and illustrated flying cranes soaring upward around it.

I aimed for an overall vibrant color scheme and adorned the work with various auspicious motifs from the Takara-zukushi (Treasure Collection) pattern, such as Chōji (Clove), Hōju (Sacred Jewel), Hōyaku (Treasure Key), and Uchide no Kozuchi (Lucky Mallet). Additionally, I included a Takarabune (Treasure Ship) to infuse the piece with wishes for prosperity and good fortune.

To further enhance the celebratory impression, I depicted a turtle—an animal with strong symbolic ties to the crane—using red and gold hues.

One of the most crucial elements in creating this piece was the large, gracefully curved line represented by a dragon.

I believed that drawing this line with a generous, gentle roundness while maintaining a dignified presence was essential to the piece’s overall quality. This line plays a key role in generating the artwork’s flow and dynamism, which is why I chose the powerful and dynamic imagery of a dragon.

Elements used in this work

Clove… Prosperity, longevity
Plum… Prosperity, perseverance
Phoenix… Protection, nobility, peace, happiness
Heavenly bamboo… Amulets, amulets, celebratory decorations
Bell… Exorcise evil spirits, attract hearts
Bundle Ne Tou… Happiness, prosperity, blessings, good relationships, longevity
Chrysanthemum… Exorcising evil spirits, longevity (depicted in the bundle of bears)
Paulownia… Sacred Tree, Wealth, Becoming a Worthy Person (depicted in the bundle of bears)
Hemp leaves… Exorcising sin, amulet, health
Pine… Health, exorcising evil spirits, good fortune
Snow holding bamboo … Perseverance, Resilience
Chrysanthemum… Exorcising evil spirits, longevity
Gem… Richness that allows you to get what you want at your disposal
Long-tailed birds… Invite happiness
Bamboo… Health, exorcising evil spirits, good fortune
Plover… Carrying Wealth
Camellia… Development, longevity, exorcising evil spirits
Blue sea waves… Calm life
Treasure ship… Smooth sailing, fortune
Dragon… Protect, Rise, Succeed, Luck Power
Turtle … Longevity, recovery from illness, protection
Treasure… Symbol of good fortune and wealth
Crane… Longevity, recovery from illness, and marital harmony
Hammer of launch… Get what you want, make your wishes come true, and defeat your enemies
Flying cranes… Longevity, recovery from illness, and marital harmony