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

Why I Chose the Character “鶴 (Crane)”

This artwork was created for the 3rd Exhibition of the Hanamoji Sommelier Association, published in the magazine on October 23, 2024.

In the 20th issue of our newsletter (published on April 6, 2024), a new design called “Flying Crane” (Tobidzuru) was introduced. I really wanted to draw this flying crane, so I chose the character “鶴” (crane) right away. It felt like the perfect match for the new design. 😊

Also, many of the artworks from this exhibition are donated to welfare facilities. I wanted to send warm wishes to the residents, their families, and everyone involved. I hope they live happy and healthy lives, and I wanted my work to help bring them a little joy and hope.

The crane is a symbol of long life in Japanese culture. By combining it with the flying crane design, I also tried to express a sense of hope and growth.

About the Design of the Artwork

The layout focuses on the character “鶴” in the center. Around it, I drew flying cranes going upward, showing movement and energy.

I also added lucky symbols from the “Takara-zukushi” (a traditional pattern of treasures). These include cloves, sacred jewels (hōju), treasure keys (hōyaku), and the magic mallet (uchide no kozuchi). I also drew a treasure ship (takarabune) to give the whole piece a meaning of good fortune and happiness.

Because cranes and turtles are a lucky pair in Japanese tradition, I included a turtle too. In Japan, people say: “Cranes live for a thousand years, turtles for ten thousand.” This crane-and-turtle (tsurukame) pattern is often used to wish for a long life.

About the Colors and Special Points

I tried to use bright and cheerful colors throughout the work. The turtle is painted in red and gold to give it a very festive and lucky feeling.

One of the most important parts of this artwork is a large, curved line that represents a dragon. I chose the dragon because it has a strong and dynamic image.

I felt that this bold, flowing line was key to the balance and movement of the whole piece. Drawing it in a gentle but powerful way was the most challenging and important point in completing the work.

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