Hobonichi Techo - A5 Cousin Planner Cover - Unsodo: Shin-Bijutsukai (Flower)

Bijutsukai and Shin Bijutsukai are craft design books published during the Meiji period (1868–1912). Both contain beautiful designs created by various Japanese painters and designers. This collection of multicolored woodblock print designs was published by Unsodo, a Kyoto-based art publishing company and the only publisher of hand-printed woodblock books in Japan. 

The flower depicting craft design from Shin-Bijutsukai has now become a cover.

Large flowers resembling peonies are placed on a lattice background. The background colors, such as blue, light blue, and brown, create a calm yet bold impression. Combining the nuanced horizontal lines and clear vertical lines gives the design a mystical three-dimensionality and materiality as if it were made of tiles or colored glass. The flowers placed on top have an outstanding presence, even though they have slightly blurred colors and no outlines. This craft design has a novelty and sophisticated impression that is perfect for the A5 Cousin size.

The “butterfly-stopper” pen holders come in brown and blue. The charms at the tip of the bookmarks are shaped like the tiles, and the inner cover is a beautiful blue color.

It is a fascinating design created more than 100 years ago. Keep it at your side and enjoy its novelty and modernity.