Hanzan Co., Ltd. (President and CEO Eiji Sakai) is developing new art works by fusing traditional Japanese culture and artistic expression with modern anime, manga, and character content. While leveraging traditional techniques and Japanese aesthetics, we convey the new appeal of contemporary works both domestically and internationally.

We are pleased to announce that "Natsume's Book of Friends Ukiyo-e 'Autumn Wind Wagasa Pattern'," a giclée print that reinterprets the world of the popular TV anime "Natsume's Book of Friends" in the ukiyo-e style of traditional Japanese art, will go on sale from July 3 (Fri) at our online shop "Hanzan Ukiyo-e Kobo."

This work is a Japanese-style art piece based on existing impressive illustrations, finished with coloring based on traditional Japanese colors called "Washoku." It expresses the fantastical and warm atmosphere of "Natsume's Book of Friends" with the composition and colors unique to ukiyo-e.

The "Nostalgic and Gentle World" of "Natsume's Book of Friends"

"Natsume's Book of Friends" (Hakusensha LaLa), based on the Japanese manga by Yuki Midorikawa, is a fantasy tale woven by Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see yokai (ayakashi), and Nyanko-sensei, who claims to be his bodyguard.

Natsume inherits the "Book of Friends" from his grandmother's belongings and begins to return the names of the yokai whose names he has bound. The gentle and delicate story, depicted through encounters and partings between humans and yokai, continues to captivate the hearts of many fans.

In Japan, since ancient times, "beings other than humans" have been depicted in a familiar way within the culture of yokai paintings and ukiyo-e. In this work, by incorporating such traditional Japanese expressive styles, we aimed to create a piece that allows viewers to feel the world of "Natsume's Book of Friends" more deeply.

A Fantastical Piece Colored by Wagasa and Autumn Leaves

This work depicts an impressive scene where Takashi Natsume returns a yokai's name. The background is adorned with colorful wagasa (Japanese umbrellas), autumn leaves, and flowers, and together with the adorable figure of Nyanko-sensei leaning on his shoulder, it expresses a somewhat fantastical and serene atmosphere.

While incorporating ukiyo-e motifs, the soft atmosphere of the illustration has been carefully preserved, creating a piece where Japanese beauty and the world of the work blend naturally.

Expressed in "Washoku" Colors, a Warm Palette

One of the major features of this work is its coloring based on traditional Japanese colors, "Washoku."

Rather than pursuing vividness, by consciously using soft hues that naturally blend with Japanese paper, the finish evokes a sense of nostalgia and calm warmth.

Furthermore, the texture unique to Japanese paper adds a depth that is also found in ukiyo-e and Japanese paintings.

Fusion of Modern Anime and Traditional Japanese Art

"Natsume's Book of Friends" flows with a quiet and serene atmosphere where humans and yokai coexist.

This world view resonates deeply with the culture of yokai paintings and ukiyo-e, which have been cherished in Japan since ancient times.

In this series, by fusing the charm of modern anime with traditional Japanese aesthetics, we have reconfigured the work as a new "Japanese art."

It is a piece that offers a unique Japanese flavor, different from the original illustrations.

We invite you to enjoy the world of "Natsume's Book of Friends" with its new appeal through this work, which layers Japanese aesthetics.

【Product Overview】

Product Name: Natsume's Book of Friends Ukiyo-e "Autumn Wind Wagasa Pattern"

Sale Price: 25,000 yen (excluding tax)

Seller: Hanzan Co., Ltd.

Size: (Image) 25.5cm (height) x 20.3cm (width)

(Frame) 39.8cm (height) x 31.1cm (width)

Materials (Framed part): Wood, resin, acrylic

Japanese paper (Image): Pure handmade Japanese paper (Echizen Washi Paper Mill - Heisaburo Iwano Paper Mill / Yamaguchi Paper Mill)

Technique: Giclée print

Product Page URL:

https://www.ukiyoework.com/view/item/000000000401

© Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / "Natsume's Book of Friends" Production Committee

Online Shop: Hanzan Ukiyo-e Kobo

https://www.ukiyoework.com/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 商品発売