Antique Japanese Tanzaku, Ink Painting, Original Drawing, Sumi-e, Ukiyo-e, Minimalism Art, Wall Hanging

Authentic artwork
Original Tanzaku

Age: Antique
Cardboard, ink
Signed, sealed
Tanzaku is sold without a shelf

Tanzaku (短冊) are vertical strips of paper traditionally used for Japanese poetry. However, they also serve as a unique canvas for visual art. These narrow strips, typically longer and narrower than a standard bookmark, provide an intriguing space for artists to explore minimalist aesthetics and evocative imagery.

Common subjects found in tanzaku paintings include:
Nature: Delicate depictions of flora and fauna, such as cherry blossoms, bamboo, birds, and insects, often rendered with meticulous detail.
Landscapes: Evocative scenes of mountains, rivers, and forests, capturing the essence of a place with a few brushstrokes.
Seasonal motifs: Representations of elements associated with specific times of year, like falling leaves in autumn or snow-covered branches in winter, reflecting the Japanese appreciation for the changing seasons.
Figurative works: Portraits of individuals, sometimes accompanied by calligraphy, or depictions of figures from literature and folklore.
The elongated format of tanzaku encourages a particular compositional approach, often characterized by:
Negative space: Strategic use of empty space to create balance and draw attention to the subject.
Simplicity: A focus on essential elements, conveying meaning through concise and suggestive imagery.
Verticality: Emphasis on vertical lines and flowing forms that complement the shape of the tanzaku.

Tanzaku paintings offer a glimpse into the Japanese aesthetic sensibility, where brevity and suggestion are valued alongside technical skill. They invite viewers to contemplate the beauty of the natural world and the richness of Japanese culture within a confined yet expressive format.

If you are touched by any of the artworks, be sure to visit my website in your spare time. I have tried to make it easy to navigate so that you can quickly familiarize yourself with my collection:
https://www.yokomido.com
For detailed information about the artworks (size, material, etc.), shipping and return policies, and current promotions, please visit the gallery's website on Etsy:
https://cloudyyokomido.etsy.com

Please note that antique and vintage artworks may have traces of time, stains and creases due to age, so please review all photos.
We upload photos where you can check the condition of the item. But sometimes the photos may not show everything. Also, the colors in the photos may not match the original. Please feel free to ask for additional photos.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Before shipping, all artworks are placed in special cardboard envelopes/boxes and cardboard to ensure their safety during transportation.


If possible, please provide your phone number when placing your order, it is often required by the courier for delivery.