Japanese art has a way of grabbing your attention and holding it. A single print could hold your attention for minutes on end as it draws you into the serenity of misty mountains or the power of crashing waves. Such an intense experience is not common, and it is just that which has kept the Japanese art tradition so alive throughout the ages.
Today, modern art in the form of diamond painting has brought the Japanese art tradition into the hands of the common art lover. With its ability to be crafted by individuals, Japanese art has become something you, too, can be part of. Here is a look at how diamond painting brings Japanese art to life.
What Is Diamond Painting and Where Did It Come From?
Diamond painting is a form of art introduced in Asia around the beginning of 2010. Its inspiration comes from two wonderful forms of art that millions of people around the world love: cross-stitch and mosaic art. The process is quite simple yet highly engaging. Essentially, you are presented with a coded canvas and required to place small resin drills on the symbols using a stylus until the complete image emerges.
Although diamond painting originated in Asia, particularly China and Korea, its popularity has spread rapidly to Europe and the US, where millions of people are enjoying its benefits. What makes diamond painting stand out from other forms of art is that you can display your work from your first session. This is a major reason why millions of people worldwide enjoy diamond painting as an art form.
Why Japanese Art and Diamond Painting Work So Well Together
The relationship between Japanese art and diamond painting seems almost predestined when you realize the connection. Japanese art is all about clarity, precision, and the placement of individual elements. These are the same characteristics found in diamond painting art.
Every drill is precisely placed in the right position on the canvas until the entire piece is finished with the kind of detail that invites close examination. Japanese woodblock prints are particularly well-suited to diamond art painting.
Katsushika Hokusai and Kawase Hasui were two of the most popular woodcut artists of the time. Their work is characterized by strong lines, nuanced shading, and scenes that often combine action with stillness.
When these scenes are transferred to the canvas of a diamond painting art piece, the resin drills pick up the sparkle of the water, the weight of the snow on the roof of a temple, and the subtle shading of a misty landscape with a kind of luminosity that cannot be duplicated with paint alone.
Exploring the Japanese Diamond Painting Collection
Canvas by Numbers has put together a Japanese diamond painting collection that is like a roll call of some of the best that Japanese visual art has to offer. Each one offers a particular scene or subject brought to life with the quality that discerning crafters demand.
The most famous image from Japanese art is probably The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai. Seeing it as a series of diamonds is a reminder of the power of the great wave and the calm presence of Mount Fuji in the background.
Snow over Zojoji Temple by Kawase Hasui is a completely different kind of emotional experience, one that is almost meditative as it depicts a snow-covered temple gate. Miyajima in the Mist depicts the famous torii gate floating above the waves, softened by a misty haze.
At the same time, Autumn at Oirase celebrates the vibrant colors of Japanese fall foliage reflected in a forest stream. For those interested in animals and mythology, there is something much more interesting in The Tiger and the Moon by Hokusai, where raw power and beauty unite in the form of a full moon.
Stork in Stillness from CBN Studios is much more subdued in its presentation, featuring a stork in a setting reminiscent of the beauty of simplicity found in Japanese philosophy. Each of these pieces is a unique experience on both a visual and a mental level.
What Comes Inside a Japanese Diamond Painting Kit
All the diamond painting kits in the Japanese collection come with everything a person needs to create the piece from start to finish without having to make further purchases. This is because the canvas is already printed with a coded system that matches the color and placement of every resin drill.
These drills are also provided in a presorted, labelled format, allowing the creator to avoid the tedious work of organizing them, which was often a source of frustration for new diamond painting enthusiasts.A stylus pen, wax pad, and tray provide a comprehensive, smooth experience for the creator when picking up and laying down every diamond.
The diamond painting kits for adults in the collection come in a variety of sizes, from standard to extra-large, allowing the creator to select a size based on available display space and the time they wish to dedicate to the creative process. While larger sizes provide a more detailed experience, standard sizes are available for those who prefer a quicker experience.
Custom Diamond Painting and the Personal Connection to Japanese Art
Beyond the curated collection of kits available on Canvas by Numbers, the website also offers custom diamond painting. This allows the individual to bring their own images into the medium.
For the individual with a personal connection to Japan, whether through travel, heritage, or a deep love of the culture, the ability to turn a personal photo or piece of art into a sparkling diamond canvas adds a level of meaning that standard kits cannot provide.
A photo taken at a Japanese shrine, a watercolor piece inspired by a visit to Kyoto, or even a beloved scene from Japanese animation are all possibilities for a custom piece that holds personal meaning.
This gives the art form of diamond painting a level of flexibility that allows it to become a medium that adapts to the individual creator, rather than the other way around.
The Meditative Quality of Japanese Diamond Painting
One of the most talked-about elements of Japanese painting traditions is the emphasis on mindfulness in the creation of art. Whether it is the brushwork of sumi-e ink paintings or the meticulous attention to repeating patterns in textile art, Japanese art traditions have long understood that the creation of art is just as important as the art itself.
Diamond art is a craft that taps into that same tradition in a way few other crafts do successfully. Also, the repetitive nature of placing one drill after another, watching a scene slowly come to life from a seemingly chaotic mess of symbols, is a meditative experience that many crafters will attest is actually therapeutic.
The screens around them seem to melt away, the mental chatter of the day seems to quiet, and all that is left is the simple, enjoyable task that is at hand. For those looking for a craft that delivers a wonderful result and mental respite, a diamond painting kit featuring Japanese imagery is well worth considering.
Bottom Line
Diamond painting and Japanese art have more in common than their beauty. They also have a philosophy that says taking your time, being precise, and focusing on quiet, unassuming details are what create true beauty.
The Japanese diamond painting collection from Canvas by Numbers spans the iconic to the intimate, from Hokusai's famous waves to the serene beauty of a snow-covered temple. Whether you are a new artist or just looking for your next meaningful project, it is a worthwhile artistic experience that is worth every moment you put into it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need any prior art experience to complete a Japanese diamond painting kit?
No prior art experience is necessary. With the coded canvas and presorted drills that come in the package, the steps will be laid out for the user. This way, the user can follow the steps from the very beginning of their sessions, regardless of their experience.
2. How long does it take to complete a diamond painting?
The time it takes to complete the diamond painting will depend on the canvas and the amount of time spent on the project. Standard canvas kits will take between five and fifteen hours of work. However, the extra-large kits will take even longer. Many users will prefer to work on the project in short sessions rather than trying to complete it in one.
3. What sizes are available in the Japanese collection?
The Japanese diamond art collection from Canvas by Numbers is available in standard, large, and extra-large sizes. The larger the canvas, the more details and the more immersive the experience will be. Standard sizes will be perfect for those who prefer a more compact design.
4. Can I frame and display my finished diamond painting?
Yes. Your completed diamond art will make beautiful wall decor and look amazing when framed. Many crafters seal their completed canvas before framing to protect it and extend its lifespan.
