HOURAI

An abundant future awaits. That is why I named the piece HOURAI, using the kanji characters for “coming abundance.” The scene of the sacred pine trees where the gods dwell, superimposed on a shimmering background of plum blossoms in beautiful champagne gold, depicts an idealistic world filled with hope. It is an imaginary landscape where cranes and turtles—symbols of longevity—are depicted as floating spirits.

According to myth, a giant tortoise—itself a symbol of longevity—carries the mythical mountain of immortality Mt. Penglai on its back. In Japanese, this mountain is called Mt. Hourai, albeit with different kanji characters. I would like to think that true immortality is not about physically living forever, but rather that the precious thoughts and prayers of human beings endure into eternity. 

July 2022
Karakami Artist Toto Akihiko