宵 Eventide

宵 (yoi) is a Kanji character symbolic of the hours of evening until midnight. It also signifies the eve of an event, particularly of festivals.  

  

In celebration of the many various flower festivals held in Japan, I've chosen to depict a flower motif blossoming from the warm orange glow of the setting sun - symbolizing the growing merriment on the eve of festivities. With this intention, I used a blend of inspiration from traditional woodblock motifs and modern graphic design to offer a broader imagery of festive values both past and present in Japanese culture. 

  

Most recently celebrated on September 9th was 菊の節句 (Kiku no Sekku), known as the Chrysanthemum Festival, the fifth of Japan's five most sacred and ancient festivals for over 1200 years. 

  

  

Eventide measures 40 x 56 x 4cm and includes a total of 2486 pieces.