Peonies

The peony, or botan (牡丹) in Japanese, occupies a special place in Japanese culture and art. Brought from China, where it was called the “king of flowers,” the peony quickly gained love and veneration. Its symbolism is multifaceted, even dual.
On the one hand, this lush and luxurious flower represents wealth, prosperity, good fortune, and nobility. It is often found in paintings and on household items as an auspicious symbol. It is also associated with feminine beauty, love, and tenderness. There is even a well-known Japanese proverb describing the ideal woman: “She stands like a peony, sits like a peony, and walks like a lily.”
On the other hand, the peony is a symbol of courage, bravery, honor, and fortitude. This aspect of its symbolism was especially popular among samurai. Warriors often painted peony images on their armor and weapons, believing that this would strengthen their morale and bring good luck in battle. Thus, the peony embodied the ideal of a warrior, combining strength and fearlessness with nobility.
I have strived to convey the full complexity of the peony’s symbolism. A dense bud, ready to open, each petal has its own curve and volume, creating the sensation of a living, breathing form. The matte, warm surface of mammoth tusk perfectly conveys the delicacy of the flower petals.
The use of red Japanese urushi lacquer is deliberate; the lacquer is not applied in a continuous layer, but in delicate brushstrokes, emphasizing the relief and adding vitality to the flower. This red hue symbolizes not only passion and love, but also vitality and energy, echoing the masculine side of the peony’s symbolism.
This miniature sculpture is more than just an artful depiction of a flower. This is a poem frozen in the material about beauty and strength, nobility and good fortune. It is a wonderful example of how, in Japanese art, aesthetic perfection is inseparable from profound inner meaning.
Dimensions of the Peony without stand: 6.1 cm x 4.5 cm x 5.1 cm, 2022. 

This original artwork is available for purchase.

To acquire this piece, please click the envelope icon (✉️) at the top of the page to contact me directly. I will provide an invoice and arrange the details.
​Payment: I accept payments via PayPal or direct bank wire transfer.
​Shipping: Your artwork will be shipped worldwide via DHL Express courier.
​Delivery: Estimated delivery time is 2-5 business days. A tracking number will be provided.