Hobonichi Unsodo: Bijutsukai (Plum and Dianthus) A6 [Cover Only]

The Hobonichi Unsodo: Bijutsukai (Plum and Dianthus) A6 is a cover-only design for the Hobonichi Original A6, bringing the refined beauty of Meiji-era Japanese art into a functional and elegant accessory. The pattern is drawn from the historic Bijutsukai and Shin Bijutsukai collections, renowned for their decorative works by skilled artisans, designers, and painters whose names are often lost to time.

These original works were published by Unsodo, a distinguished Kyoto-based art publisher and the only house in Japan devoted exclusively to producing hand-printed multicolor woodblock books.

The front of the cover features a delicate springtime floral composition. The fringed petals of dianthus flowers appear in a rich mauve-pink hue, beautifully paired with fresh green leaves set against a natural off-white background. Softly blurred outlines and subtle coloring reflect the unique charm of hand-printed craftsmanship.

The lower section depicts plum blossom buds and fully blooming flowers, conveying a sense of quiet elegance and dignity. Gentle lavender and pale purple tones enhance the harmony between the plum blossoms and dianthus.

The back pocket offers a striking contrast to the understated front. A structured pattern of large peony blossoms encircled by butterflies creates a mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic effect. While the front may appear to combine multiple designs, it is actually a single continuous pattern. Two illustrations originally presented as facing pages in Bijutsukai have been thoughtfully placed on the front and back of this cover.

Inside, the cover is finished in a calming soft beige. The butterfly-stopper pen holders, inner pocket, and bookmark charms come in a gentle lavender tone, while the charm tip features a deeper purple that echoes the colors of the exterior design.

A refined and poetic cover designed for those who appreciate traditional artistry, meticulous detail, and timeless beauty.