Art Prints

Water lilies are used as a spiritual symbol in many traditions. They are associated with enlightenment as they close up their petals in the evening...

Traditionally the bamboo has been considered as a symbol of good luck. The hollow centre signifies spirituality and purity. Green through all seaso...

The chrysanthemum is often portrayed as a symbol of perfection in many cultures and regarded also as the “solar flower”, blooming longer than most ...

The artist Koson Ohara was a Japanese painter and printmaker in the late 19th and early 20th century. With some 500 works to his name, he was the m...

Each protagonist of the Suikoden, the Japanese translation of a 14th century Chinese novel, can be identified by a specific tattoo, weapon or piece...

Based on a true story, Koheiji was killed by his wife and her lover, and later returned to haunt the couple as they lay in bed inside mosquito nett...

Shinkyo bridge, constructed in 1636, with its bold red, yet simple elegance, contrasting with the wildness of its surroundings, is ranked as one of...

For more than 4000 years bamboo has been considered a symbol of prosperity in Asia, representing growth, good luck, prosperity, positivity and endu...

Built originally in 1673, it is ranked as one of the three finest bridges in Japan. The bridge in Iwakuni city is still one of the most popular tou...

A bridge, particularly a bridge over water, represents crossing over from the profane to the sacred. In Zen symbolism, red represents life force, t...

A quote from the Chinese philosopher Laozi (c.604 BC - c.531 BC) from his classic text “Tao Te Ching”, which is amongst the most translated works i...

This winter image is from the series “One Hundred Famous Views in the Various Provinces”, produced between 1859 and 1861. The landscape is filled w...

Inokashira Park is very popular in the spring because of the captivating blooming cherry trees that line the pond. The cherry blossom, a symbol of ...

Hiroshige II was the student and adopted son of the great print master Hiroshige. This image is from the series “One Hundred Famous Views in the Va...

Although the temple has been reconstructed several times, it was first built in 686 AD. It is best to visit this temple in the spring, when peonies...

Boats symbolise the ability to “stay afloat” and to travel through the confusions of the forces prevalent within our lives. Peace of mind is not th...

A canal created in the 17th century. Although the canal followed an absolutely straight line, Hiroshige depicted it with artistic license. The dram...

Buddha taught that “we are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” Th...

Recognised as one of the finest three waterfalls in the Nikko region since early times, the waterfall was named “Kirifuri” (Falling Fog) due to the...

For every 10,000 three-leaf clovers, you may find a four-leaf one. The first known literary reference to clovers and luck dates back to 1620: “If a...

Many cultures honour the butterfly as a symbol of transformation, and to keep our faith with any transition, development or growth in our lives. De...

Water is believed to incarnate the purity and the pliant simplicity of life. Design by the Japanese artist Kodo in 1935.

The iris is associated with faith, hope, valour and wisdom, believed in Japan to be a symbol that purifies evil energies whilst offering protection...

The symbol of the ocean represents the soul, the subconscious, a primal state, dreams, fantasy and more, above which shapes are made beautifully in...

The wisteria flower bestows the meaning of immortality and longevity, whilst also representing thoughtful reverence to honour the essence of who we...

The butterfly can symbolise lightness and playfulness, whilst representing the powerful meaning of transformation, growth and renewal. Design by Ja...

The butterfly can signify awakening, and a transformation in preparation to fly into a fresh new way of being. Design by Japanese artist Gyokuyu in...

The Japanese calligraphy reads “yoi otoshi wo” translating as “wishing you a good new year.” The New Year is the most important time of the year in...

“Suki” which translates roughly to a strong “I like you” is more commonly used, however, “ai shiteru” on this card is the translation of “I love yo...

“Omedetou”, or in formal situations, “Omedetou gozaimasu”, is what is said for any congratulatory occasions or event, to be cherished, loved and ce...

Instead of saying “good luck”, which is more a wish for something external to bring good fortune, the Japanese say “ganbatte” which would translate...

Thank you in Japanese is “arigatou” (or more formally “arigatou gozaimasu”). The pronunciation would be ari-ga-toh.

The way to say “happy birthday” in Japanese is “otanjoubi omedetou” (formal version: “otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu”.) Tanjoubi means birthday, and...

By the Japanese woodblock print master Utamaro (c.1753 - 1806), this is a portrait of three ladies renowned for their beauty. Published in c.1793, ...

The Japanese name for owl, Fukuro, usually is written with one single character, but can also be written with the combination of the character for ...

The first time that dragons appeared in Japanese text dates back to 680 AD. Dragons in Asia are regarded as generous, benevolent forces that use th...