Hanami

irezumi / katana / sakura / bijinga

The Irezumi Bijinga series is a way to expand the viewer’s aesthatic horizon. Senju enjoys experimenting with placing women in roles typically deemed as masculine in Japanese art. He senses that irezumi, the traditional Japanese tattoo,  is a tradition full of possibilities. Only through a deep understanding of the underlying culture of Japanese art can progress be made. “Hanami” portrays a young female in a typically manly pose, fully tattooed, seated on a sake barrel and resting on a katana (Japanese sword). The sakura bodysuit tattoo may seem merely “pretty” but the falling cherry blossoms is a reflection upon the fleetingness of human life. Sometimes, the falling petals have been likened to the cut off heads of heroes fallen in battle.

If  you like this print, perhaps you would be interested in this

This beautiful limited edition of 50 copies in each size is printed on 230 gsm high-quality matte paper. Each numbered print is signed by the artist and stamped on the back with the artist’s red seal (hanko). A hanko is hand carved and unique and therefore assures the authenticity of the print.