A work by YURIKO YUCO YOSHIKAWA.

Title: Otoshiana (Pitfall) | Created in 2026

This extraordinary washi paper art work merges washi paper, ink, and dyeing with an intentional concept: carefully placed perforations that become part of the artwork itself.

The Concept Behind This Work

The torn opening at the center of this work is not an accident — it is a deliberate artistic choice. It represents the idea of navigating life with care, choosing one's path thoughtfully so as not to fall into life's pitfalls. The hole is a metaphor: a reminder to tread carefully, to look before you leap, and to live with intention.

Technique

The washi paper was first layered with multiple colours through dyeing, building up rich depth and texture. Then, bold strokes of sumi ink were applied to express the path one must walk — strong, clear, and unwavering — so as not to fall into life's pitfalls. The deep black of the ink embodies the strength and resolve required to forge one's own way.

Details

Size — 75 cm × 55 cm (29.5" × 21.7")
Material — Washi paper — a traditional Japanese washi paper art — dyed and finished with sumi ink painting

Important — Handling with Care

The perforated areas are an intentional artistic element; please handle with the same care you would give any fine work on paper.

These areas have been reinforced with three layers of hand-applied washi paper backing, carefully adhered by hand using traditional paste — a process performed by a Grade 1 certified master mounter (Hyogu-shi). As a result, the perforated areas are nearly closed and there is no risk of further tearing.

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 — including the perforated areas, which are nearly closed as a result — 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.

A truly unique collector's work. Delivered unframed. For framing reference: approximately 85 × 65 cm. Free worldwide shipping.

Certificate of Authenticity

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

Please note: The torn and perforated areas of the paper are an intentional part of the artistic concept and are not considered defects. These areas have been reinforced with three layers of hand-applied washi backing by a Grade 1 certified master mounter, and are nearly closed at the time of shipping. As such, they are not eligible for returns or exchanges.

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

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.

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

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.