The Pillow Book “Makura no Soshi” Bamboo Paper Edition

The Pillow Book / Mayu Manson / Shunga

The sensation of sweet relief when completing a painting, on which one has worked hard and truthfully,  is one of pure euphoria. For several years, I have intended to paint Sei Shōnagon, but it wasn't until I saw Mayu Manson's ahegao work at the NuraNura group show in Tokyo in late 2019. that I finally understood how.
Her video installation was next to where my works were hanging and my "Gyokumon" painting (in which a woman licks a peony flower) was in the same field of view as her screens. Suddenly a vague but real idea of how I could paint Sei Shōnagon appeared to me.

I was in the gallery every evening during my ten days in Tokyo and the next time Mayu came in I asked her if she was interested in some kind of collaboration. She said she had already thought about asking me the same and a collaboration was born.
During the pandemic, we exchanged some ideas (still sketchy and secretive) and I am looking forward to taking the project further ahead.
For now, "Makura no Sōshi" honourably marks the beginning of what I hope will be a series of many works under the collaborative banner.

Printed on 290 gsm Hahnemuhle Bamboo paper. This paper is made from 90% bamboo fibre and 10% cotton fibre, making it highly sustainable. Its warm natural white tone, along with a light felt texture wonderfully enhances Senju’s art.

Signed and numbered limited edition of 20 copies only in each size. Each print is stamped with the artist’s read seal (hanko) on the back. It also comes with a certificate of authenticity designed by Senju. The certificate shows the print's title, size and number. It is signed and stamped with the artist’s red seal.

Senju’s art is rooted deeply in traditional Japanese art, especially the erotic and sensual world of Shunga.