A vintage Japanese shikishi artwork created in the traditional technique of chigiri-e (ちぎり絵), a Japanese paper-collage art made by tearing and layering pieces of washi paper.
The composition features a floral motif of 香石竹 (kōsekichiku), referring to carnation / Dianthus, rendered in rich red and soft yellow tones against a muted blue-green background. The tall stems, layered leaves, and clustered blossoms are built from carefully torn pieces of paper, giving the image a soft, textured, almost painterly appearance.
The uneven, feathered edges of the torn washi are especially effective in the flowers, where they create a delicate sense of volume and movement. Subtle pink, peach, and green accents add depth to the stems and foliage, while the restrained background allows the blossoms to stand out beautifully.
Chigiri-e literally means “torn-paper picture.” Instead of cutting paper with scissors, the artist tears pieces of washi (Japanese paper) by hand and layers them to form an image. The exposed fibres along the torn edges create soft transitions that can resemble watercolor, making the technique especially well suited to flowers, landscapes, and seasonal subjects.
The 香石竹 / carnation motif brings a gentle decorative elegance to the piece. Carnations are often associated with affection, admiration, and heartfelt feeling, making them a warm and expressive floral subject.
Size: 24 x 27cm
