A work by YURIKO YUCO YOSHIKAWA.

Title: Yorokobi no Haru (Spring of Joy) | Created in 2024

Combining traditional Japanese washi paper with ink and natural dyeing techniques, this washi paper art work captures the pure joy of spring's arrival. The washi paper was first dyed using Shibori — a meticulous resist-dyeing process — and then layered with expressive ink brushwork to bring the jubilation of the season to life.

The Story Behind This Work

This work expresses the end of Japan's cold winter and the joyful arrival of spring, when all kinds of flowers bloom in abundance. The washi paper was first dyed in many colours using Shibori resist-dyeing, then further layered with multi-coloured sumi ink painting to bring the vibrant season to life.

Washi paper has a delicate, refined quality that rewards careful handling. This piece represents not only artistic vision but also the artist's quiet perseverance and careful hand.

Details

Techniques — Shibori-zome + Sumi ink on Washi paper — a traditional Japanese washi paper art
Size — 94.5 cm × 64.5 cm (37.2" × 25.4")
Material — Washi paper, Sumi ink / Dyed with Shibori technique

Important — Texture & Handling

The Shibori dyeing technique creates a three-dimensional texture with raised and recessed areas on the surface of the work. This texture is an intentional artistic expression.

The entire surface of this work — including the raised Shibori patterns and creased areas — has been reinforced by a Grade 1 certified master mounter (Hyogu-shi). The Shibori textures were gently eased and smoothed before three layers of washi paper were carefully adhered by hand using traditional paste to the reverse side, providing thorough and lasting support across the whole work.

Washi paper is sensitive to moisture and humidity. Store in a dry environment away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Avoid folding or creasing the work.

Traditional Mounting & Finishing

This artwork has been professionally finished using Hon-urachichi — a traditional Japanese mounting technique performed by a certified Hyogu-shi (master mounter) who holds a Grade 1 National Technical Skills Certificate in Mounting Arts (Gino Kentei). In this process, three layers of washi paper are carefully adhered by hand using traditional paste, building up the backing one layer at a time. This reinforces the entire surface of the work, corrects any warping or creasing, and significantly enhances the long-term preservation of the work. It is the same meticulous technique used in the conservation of fine art and cultural heritage objects.

Packaging & Shipping

Each artwork is carefully wrapped in PAT-certified archival tissue paper (ISO18916:2007) — the same standard used in museum and cultural heritage conservation — before being hand-packed by the artist in museum-quality archival packaging and shipped via DHL with full insurance and international tracking. As this work has been mounted using traditional Hon-urachichi finishing, it is shipped flat and unrolled — at its full original dimensions — to preserve the integrity of the mounting.

Domestic (Japan) — Yamato Transport or Japan Post, with tracking number.
International — DHL or EMS with international tracking and insurance. A tracking number will be provided after dispatch.

Delivered unframed. For framing reference: approximately 105 × 75 cm. Free worldwide shipping.

Certificate of Authenticity

A Certificate of Authenticity is included with this artwork. → Learn more about our Certificate of Authenticity

As each piece is a one-of-a-kind handmade artwork, we do not accept returns or exchanges.

One-of-a-kind / Handmade in Japan / Washi paper

Prices are displayed in your local currency for reference. All orders are processed and charged in Japanese Yen (JPY).

A singular work of art — one of a kind in the world.

In Shibori dyeing, the way the fabric takes colour changes with every bind. Even following the same process, no two patterns can ever be identical.

This is not a mass-produced object. It is a singular work, born from accumulated time and mastery.

The price reflects its rarity and the value of its creation.

This is art that chooses its owner — made for those who understand its essential worth.

A presence unlike any other, worthy of your space and your sensibility.

About the Artist

Yuriko Yuco Yoshikawa is both an artist and a Registered Nurse — a rare combination that shapes everything she creates.

For decades, she stood at the threshold between life and death, witnessing pain, dignity, and quiet moments of grace. She held the hands of those departing. She understood, more deeply than most, what it means to be alive.

When she set down her nurse's uniform and took up her brush, that knowledge did not leave her. It became her art.

Every work she creates carries that gaze — the gaze of someone who has truly seen what a human life is worth.

As a nurse, and as an artist — her deepest wish is to bring love and light to every person in the world.

Her works have been selected and awarded at over 15 international exhibitions across Japan, France, Spain, Monaco, and Italy. A formally recognised member of the Art Maison Selecting Committee (A.M.S.C.), Spain Headquarters — an international arts organisation spanning France, Japan, and Spain — her name is permanently inscribed on the monument "LA VOZ DEL ARTE PARA CALMAR EL MUNDO" (The Voice of Art to Calm the World), erected in Puebla de la Sierra, Madrid, Spain. Her work is featured in Art Maison Vol. 30, published in 2026.

Each work is one of a kind. Once sold, it is gone forever.
Additional award-winning works are available upon private inquiry.

View Artist Profile & Exhibition History

Exhibition History — This Work

This work is a new piece completed in 2026, created by adding sumi ink painting over an existing Shibori-dyed base. It has not yet been submitted to any exhibition.

Questions Before You Purchase?

For high-value, one-of-a-kind works, we warmly welcome any questions you may have before placing your order — about the artwork, materials, shipping, or anything else. Please do not hesitate to reach out via our contact form or directly at info@yurikoyuco.com. We will respond within 2 business days, with care.

Please note that import duties, taxes, and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer and are not included in the product price.