This work was exhibited in the “Vanguard of Nihonga: The Challenge of Modern Masters” exhibition held at the Yamatane Museum of Art in 2023.

Have you ever sensed something mystical in the sight of a peacock unfurling its feathers? The white peacock, in particular, possesses a mysterious power that draws the viewer into a fantastical world.

I expressed each delicately swaying line of the feathers using Kirikane—the traditional technique of cutting and applying gold leaf. Thousands of individual strips were applied; when these fine, intricate glimmers gather, they manifest a profound brilliance unique to the art of Kirikane.

I depicted this piece as a reimagining of the Ho-oh (phoenix), a legendary auspicious bird. (From the artist’s statement for the 2023 exhibition)