Paper-cutting Art / Genbu
Before you buy
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Please note that the design, etc. may differ slightly from the photo due to the handmade nature of the product.
Please be aware that there may be a delay in reflecting the inventory of one-of-a-kind items because they are also sold by the artisans, and they may be out of stock. In such cases, we will cancel your order.
Shipping
- Orders over $150 qualify for free shipping.
- Orders under $150 will incur a shipping fee, which is automatically calculated at checkout.
Customs and VAT
- Please be aware that customs duties and VAT may apply at the time of delivery.
- The customer is responsible for the payment of any customs duties and VAT.
- Customs duties and VAT are non-refundable.
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Delivery Services
- Japan Post
- DHL
Delivery Time
- If the item is in stock, it will be dispatched within approximately one week.
- If the item is out of stock, the production time varies depending on the product. Please check the Delivery Date in the Material & Caution section of the product description.
Last updated: 9/3/2024
Product Description
Product Story
General Product Information
Genbu is a sacred beast from East Asia. It is the northern of the four deities that protect the east, west, south, and north. It is represented by a snake and a tortoise entwined with each other.
This paper cutout is made of hikifaku, which is Japanese paper covered with lacquer and gold leaf. By partially floating the paper cutout and attaching it to the mount, it becomes three-dimensional, accentuating the delicacy of the paper cutout.
Marked on the screen and signed on the reverse (wooden frame, acrylic panel)
Product History
When did these crafts start to craft?：1200 years ago / 800AD / Heian period in Japan
The roots of kirie are ancient, with the oldest extant kirie in Japan dating back more than 1,200 years. It is preserved in the Shosoin Repository and is believed to have come from mainland China. They were given to each other in the New Year with wishes for health and prosperity.
Craftsman Story
Craftsman Profile
Megumi Mochizuki
Born 1978 in Kanagawa Prefecture, currently living in Kyoto since 2013.
Started working as a paper cutout artist in 2002 while a student at Tokyo Gakugei University.
Utilizing the tense and transparent beauty unique to paper cut-outs, he has created many large-scale installations in traditional architecture such as temples and tearooms. His recent work focuses on the mythology and ancient thought of East Asia.
Craftsman Passion
The roots of kirie are ancient, with the oldest extant kirie in Japan dating back more than 1,200 years. It is preserved in the Shosoin Repository and is believed to have come from mainland China. They were given to each other in the New Year with wishes for health and prosperity.
All of the works by paper cutout artist Megumi Mochizuki shown here are made of handmade Japanese paper using traditional techniques. This allows for long-term preservation and long-lasting transmission to future generations.
Each piece is unique because it is made by cutting by hand using a knife.
The delicate beauty with a sense of tension created by cutting a sheet of paper without failure is the charm of kirie.
Your Contribution to Craftsman
Customer Voice
Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!
Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?
As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!
We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo
Measurement
Width：40.7cm
Depth : 3cm
Height : 31.7cm
Material & Caution
Materials
Japanese paper
Caution
This product is a one-of-a-kind item.
