Ever heard of the Chinese Shuihu Zhuan? For most people, it probably sounds like the menu of their favourite Asian restaurant. However, few people know that these are Chinese Robin Hoods. They are the model for the Japanese Suikoden of the 18th century. If you’re excited about the topic, enjoy our high-quality Japanese prints in …
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The peony
Mankind cultivates the peony plant since the most ancients times. Eastern Asia widely worshippes this flower, far from any comparison of its kind in Europe. The rose without thorns in ancient times Already in ancient times the human being knew the peony. In Greek mythology 2000 years ago Omero mentioned it in the Iliad. The …
Benzaiten and the seven lucky Gods
If you think of the word “happiness” surely many different thoughts will come to your mind. However, if you take a look at Japanese culture, you will quickly come across Benzaiten and the Seven lucky Gods (Shichi Fukujin). In our upcoming blog post, we will explain you their meaning and origin bit by bit. We …
Japanese Hannya Tattoo
Yokai Pretty much everyone who navigates the tattoo scene, at least once stumbled across this horned face with demonic eyes and sharp teeth. The Japanese Hannya tattoo is a very popular motif and you can wear it in all shapes and colours. But what hides behind this mask with distorted facial features? read more about …
The Rise of Irezumi in Japan
Swen Losinsky flew to London to the Hamiltons Gallery to visit Mario Testino’s exhibition “East”. The renowned photographer featured 18 prints that thematizised the rise of Irezumi and compromises two subjects matters: Japanese flowers on golden screens and vividly tattooed men intricately entwined. Flowers in the floating world Inspired by traditional ‘Ukiyo-e‘ (pictures of the …