the life of things - brushes + brooms

In Japanese folklore all things have a spirit (or a god residing within them), including such items as household tools and objects. In literature and illustrated books there are examples of yōkai (a supernatural monster or spirit/妖怪) which have been transformed from everyday items into mischievous characters once they reach 100 years in age. But in addition, any object which has a life in your home might develop a personality of its own based on its interactions with humans and the other tools around it.

Meet the brushes + brooms:

In Japan, a hahakigami is a broom yōkai, who might be found sweeping wildly at fallen leaves in the autumn.

Brooms were first used to sweep out evil spirits and used as lucky charms; sweeping a newborn baby out quickly and safely; sweeping unwanted guests on their way. Even though brooms are now used more for cleaning than purification, brushes are still held in high regard, with the act of sweeping a daily spiritual act.

So it is no surprise that brushes and brooms take on personalities of their own. They are a friendly bunch, who love to help around the house and sometimes combat the effects of other more unhelpful spirits. They can also become a bit overenthusiastic -
sweeping away pets and other household items!

This version of the print comes with a separate printed 'story slip' (see images) describing the above tale. The story slip can be pasted on to the backing board of a frame, or mounted in a window under the print itself for framing if desired (if using bespoke framing).

Individually printed using Japanese pigment inks and hand carved rubber printing blocks, with ink details and an inkjet printed title. Due to the method of stamp printing, each print will have natural small variations; the one you receive may not be exactly the same as the one shown in the photographs.

Printed on 100g oatmeal 100% recycled paper (with natural flecks).
Paper size: A3 (297 x 420 mm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches).
Signed in pencil and stamped with nakamura characters [中村] in red ink.

Please note: the print is sold unframed, but fits an IKEA ribba frame.