Yamamoto Tsunetomo
2015
Hagakure Illustration
Yamamoto Tsunetomo Art―Hagakure Illustration
"Even if one's head were to be suddenly cut off, he should be able to do one more action with certainty. With martial valour, if one becomes like a revengeful ghost and shows great determination, though his head is cut off, he should not die."
―Yamamoto Tsunetomo
The art depicts the reknowned samurai Yamamoto Tsunetomo (Yamamoto Jocho), a famous Japanese author whose legacy is the work Hagakure (Hidden by the Leaves). Tsunetomo held sacred the idea that reconciliation with the idea of death helps a person to transcend our plane of being and find the beauty and perfection beyond the reach of other people.
Hagakure tells us about bushido and samurai life, describes the principles of the bushi class. The books is based on the author's experience―he had served the Nabeshima clan for 30 years; the book contains many stories and quotes by the members of this clan. Yamamoto Tsunetomo also comments on certain historic events and legends, e.g. the revenge of the 47 ronin.
"Hidden By The Leaves is Yamamoto Tsunetomo’s famous book. 1 The name is symbolic,
for it truthfully expresses the true essence of Bushido; things that are hidden from laymen’s
sight―the true teaching of warriors. Only those who contemplate the depths of the teaching and
who implement it start seeing the flowers hidden behind the “leaves” of the mundane. Every day
brings new a dimension: fresh, beautiful flowers inspiring a warrior’s love. If those who follow
the way enrich themselves with knowledge, if their way flows like a stream, it means that they
have entered the gates and have found themselves within its mandala."
― A. R. Berg, Legend
The kanji (Japanese characters) read hagakure.
Prints & Posters
Starting from $25
Standard edition prints & premium edition giclee prints: information.
Postcards
Type: Full color half-fold postcards
Dimensions: 5.8" x 8.3" / 14.8 x 21 cm (A5)
Paper: metallic/pearlescent
$6 per postcard
Traditional painting
We can create an acrylic replica of the original art in any size of your choice; colors and some details in the painting can be customized. Reproductions are hand-painted with eco-friendly acrylics on thick cotton paper. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or queries. We're open to any suggestions!