Vivid Soaring Phoenix

Product Description

Product Story

General Product Information

The phoenix is revered as one of the four sacred mythical creatures, symbolizing peace, harmony, and auspicious fortune. Its radiant, five-colored plumage has earned it the title “King of Birds,” a majestic presence believed to appear only in times of great prosperity.

This sacred phoenix is meticulously crafted using mizuhiki, a traditional Japanese decorative art.
Mizuhiki is made by tightly twisting washi paper and coating it to create strong, elegant cords—a craft that has supported Japan’s gift-giving culture for over 600 years. Each knot carries the wish of “connecting people,” and its structure, which tightens when pulled and is difficult to unravel, represents enduring bonds and good fortune.

In this piece, the colors and symbolism of the Yin-Yang and Five Elements philosophy are woven into the mizuhiki cords, deepening the phoenix’s meaning of harmony, renewal, and auspicious energy. Layer upon layer of mizuhiki creates a vivid, three-dimensional figure that brings a graceful presence and a gentle flow of positive energy to any space.

A fusion of symbolism and traditional craftsmanship, this unique artwork makes a meaningful gift or a timeless interior piece to be cherished for years to come.

Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1400 years ago / 600AD / Asuka period in Japan

Mizuhiki was introduced to Japan during the Asuka period as a ceremonial cord used in gift-giving. In Kyoto—where court rituals were centered—an advanced culture of decorative knotting developed early on.
The celebratory traditions of the Heian aristocracy, combined with Kyoto’s concentration of crafts such as washi paper and dyeing, further refined the art of mizuhiki. By the Muromachi to Edo periods, the craft evolved alongside the marriage and gift-giving culture of Kyoto’s merchant class.

Intricate motifs such as cranes and plum blossoms were created, establishing Kyoto as one of Japan’s leading centers of mizuhiki craftsmanship.
In modern times, mizuhiki has expanded beyond ceremonial use to include accessories and art pieces,
and it continues to be cherished today as a craft that “ties together prayers and connections.”

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Mizuhiki Motoyui Genda
Genda, the artisan behind Mizuhiki Motoyui, transforms traditional mizuhiki knotting techniques into expressions that resonate with modern aesthetics.
 From a young age, Genda was deeply fascinated by Japanese traditional crafts—especially the profound prayers and intentions embedded in the act of “tying.” This fascination led to a dedicated journey into the world of mizuhiki.
While thoroughly studying classical knot forms, Genda developed a distinct style through refined color harmonies and three-dimensional compositions. Their work ranges widely—from accessories that complement everyday life to spatial decorations and celebratory pieces created for special occasions.
Genda’s craftsmanship, characterized by technical precision and delicate sensibility, is highly regarded for expressing the beauty of Japanese “points and lines” in a contemporary form.

Craftsman Passion

“How far can a single strand of paper cord carry one’s feelings and shape them into form?”

This question lies at the heart of Genda’s approach to mizuhiki. To Genda, mizuhiki is not merely a material—it is a line of prayer that connects people, ties wishes together, and carries them into the future. In the world of mizuhiki, even a difference of less than one millimeter can alter the expression of a knot. That delicate tension fuels Genda’s creativity. Every subtle adjustment of pressure at the fingertips during the act of tying is filled with intention, as they continue to create without compromise.
“I want the gentle strength of mizuhiki to warm the hearts of those who hold my work in their hands.” Genda’s creations embody a deep love for the beauty of knotting and a steadfast resolve to carry tradition forward into the future.

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：65cm
Depth : 38cm
Height：65cm
Weight：1,200g

Material & Caution

Materials

Paper

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

If an item is out of stock at the time of order, please allow approximately one month for production.