To celebrate KARAKU's 5th anniversary, we had a special meeting.
It is an Aloha shirt collaboration with Japanese painter Shinya Tamai.

Based on his famous works, “Sun and Moon Twin Dragons” and “Incarnation Figure - Unfinished” (2024), two styles of Aloha shirts were created that contain KARAKU’s unique charm and the craftsman’s sincerity.

index

01｜Introduction of Shinya Tamai
02｜Original painting shown at the exhibition
03｜A sneak peek behind the scenes of the production
04｜Special products to celebrate the 5th anniversary

01｜Introduction of Shinya Tamai

Shinya Tamai (玉井伸弥, Tamai Shinya) is a Japanese painter born in Hiroshima City in 1994.
I majored in Japanese painting at Aichi University of Arts and Music and completed my master's degree in 2018.

Influenced by artists such as Ito Jakuchu, Tawaraya Sotatsu, and Takeuchi Seiho, he creates a fantastic world of works that add a modern sensibility to traditional Japanese painting techniques.

He has been drawing pictures with various creatures as motifs, including tigers and dragons, which often appear in Japanese paintings, as well as monsters and other creatures recently.

Tamai's work is characterized by delicate, flowing lines and excellent use of white space, bringing the creatures in her paintings to life, conveying the beauty, texture, and even strength of their being.

The two works included in this Aloha shirt also contain worldviews of different depths.

《Sun and Moon Twin Dragons》

『Sun and Moon and Twin Dragons』 is a magnificent and fantastical work of art depicting two dragons dancing together against the backdrop of the sun and moon.

It contains a scene of Mt. Fuji and auspicious clouds.
The dynamic composition and mysterious atmosphere leave a strong impression.

A modern sense of color is added to the traditional composition,
This work exudes a deep sense of awe for nature and mythology.

《Incarnation Map - Not Yet-》

"Incarnation Painting - Beauty" is one of Tamai Shin'ya's "Incarnation Painting" series, and is a work drawn with the theme of "beauty" among the twelve zodiac signs.

The sight of sheep lightly jumping through the clouds is impressive.
The morning sun is rising in the background, giving the painting a warm and vibrant feel.

This series explores humans and nature through the twelve zodiac signs.
And it expresses the connection between tradition and modernity.

02｜Original painting shown at the exhibition

These two works were unveiled at the solo exhibition <Shinya Tamai Japanese Painting Exhibition: Ichijō Gekō-> held in 2024, captivating many art fans.

Okayama Tenmanya (May 1-6, 2024)

Fukuyama Tenmanya (May 22-27, 2024)

03｜A sneak peek behind the scenes of the production

Traces of creation spread out in a corner of a quiet studio.
On the desk are brushes and ink, and a half-finished sheep painting floats across the paper.

I can't see the face, but
The artist's breath and concentration can be felt through the screen.

On the screen where the scent of food seems to spread,
The tension and excitement of the moment of drawing is quietly conveyed.

In a space surrounded by books,
A world where tradition and fantasy intersect is slowly emerging.

04｜Special products to celebrate the 5th anniversary

① "Sun, Moon and Twin Dragons" Ukiyo-e Aloha Shirt


Two vibrant dragons dance on a pale yellow background.
The twin dragons, symbolizing the energy of the sun and moon, add vitality to a free world.
A special item that connects art and everyday life, with an exquisite blend of mystery and summer freshness.

②「Incarnation Figure: Sheep (化身図－未－)」Ukiyo-e Aloha Shirt

A shirt with a gentle sheep and flowing clouds, containing the worldview of 《化身図－未－》 on a light lemon yellow background. It subtly creates an atmosphere where gentleness and strength coexist in tranquility.

This is a shirt that sways under the sunlight and lightens your heart.

Shinya Tamai collaboration products will be available for sale on the KARAKU Korean online store from May 8th.
Quantity is limited, so if you're interested, get it quickly!