(New Year's Decorations) c. 19th century

print, ink, color-on-paper

water colours

ink paper printed

print

japan

personal sketchbook

ink

color-on-paper

ink drawing experimentation

sketchbook drawing

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

sketchbook art

botanical art

watercolor

This 19th-century Japanese artwork, "New Year's Decorations," by Kōbi, depicts a traditional ikebana arrangement, a form of Japanese flower arrangement, with calligraphy and decorative elements. It is part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s collection and provides a glimpse into the celebration of the New Year in Japan. The artwork showcases a delicate branch of blossoms in a wooden stand, symbolic of new beginnings, and other auspicious decorations, such as fish and a red plate. The calligraphy, likely written by Kōbi, adds a lyrical and poetic dimension, enriching the visual narrative and contributing to the artwork's overall aesthetic.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Not only do New Year's decorations in Japan add to the festivities, but also carry symbolic meaning derived from time-honored traditions. Depicted here are three kinds of New Year's decorations. The wooden plate on the right is decorated with ceremonial bows (hamayumi, in Japanese) and arrows (hamaya). Because hama, which originally referred to the target used in archery, is written with the characters "break (ha)" and "evil (ma)," these "evil breaking" bows and arrows are believed to repel bad sprits. Bamboo leaves, green pine needles and a branch of flowering plum are three plants associated with strength and fortitude. The red lacquered cup next to the plate is used to drink special sake (toso) on New Year's Day. Spiced with medicinal herbs, the sake was believed to ensure good health. Lastly, to the left are the dried sardines, a symbol of fertility, tied with colored paper cords (mizuhiki), thus wishing the families prosperity in the New Year.