Xiyue Taizu Zhenjun / 5 Sacred Mountains & Taoism / Silver Washi・Hinoki

■ Bringing the Culture of Mount Hua, One of the Five Sacred Mountains, into Modern Life “Saigaku Taizo Sogen Shinkun” (西岳太祖素元真君) is a Taoist cultural deity traditionally associated with Mount Hua, known as the Western Peak, one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. The Five Sacred Mountains, or Wuyue (五岳), are five sacred mountains representing the East, West, South, North, and Center of China. Mount Hua, located in Shaanxi Province, has long been closely connected with mountain worship, state rituals, and Taoist culture. Inspired by the cultural heritage and historical background of the Five Sacred Mountains and Mount Hua, as well as the talismanic tradition known as the “Saigaku Taizo Sogen Shinkun Yuzhenfu,” this work reinterprets traditional imagery as a handmade art piece that can be naturally incorporated into modern living spaces. ■ Origins and Tradition of the Saigaku Taizo Sogen Shinkun Yuzhenfu In ancient China, the Five Sacred Mountains were regarded as important sacred sites symbolizing the connection between Heaven, Earth, and humanity, rather than simply being mountains. Among them, Mount Hua has long been revered as the sacred mountain of the West. Some ancient texts describe the deity of Mount Hua in connection with metals such as gold, silver, copper, and iron. During the Song dynasty, the deity was given the divine title “Jintian Shunsheng Dadi” and became an object of state-sponsored rituals as the deity of the Western Peak. As beliefs surrounding Mount Hua became intertwined with Taoist talismanic traditions, various sacred and protective talismans associated with the Western Peak were passed down through the ages. In modern traditions surrounding the Five Sacred Mountains talismans, the “Saigaku Taizo Sogen Shinkun Yuzhenfu” is sometimes introduced as a talisman associated with wishes for wealth and prosperity, land, and personal assets. This artwork respectfully draws on this historical and cultural background while reinterpreting it as a piece of art suited to contemporary life. ■ Traditional Wishes and Symbolism Within modern traditions of the Five Sacred Mountains talismans, talismans associated with the Western Peak are traditionally presented as symbols of wishes for “wealth,” “prosperity,” and “abundance.” These traditional associations include wishes for: Financial luck and prosperity Wealth and abundance Career and business development Prosperity and success Land and real estate Stability of assets and the foundations of daily life A prosperous future “May the efforts and achievements you have built lead to abundant results.” “May your work and business continue to develop smoothly.” The piece can be displayed in your home or workplace as a cultural motif representing such hopes. ■ The Quiet, Dignified Beauty of Silver-Foil Washi This work is made using Japanese washi paper decorated with silver foil, and each piece is carefully finished by hand. The soft texture of washi harmonizes with the delicate shimmer of silver foil, creating a refined appearance that combines elegance with a calm and dignified presence. The appearance of the silver foil changes depending on the angle of the light, allowing you to enjoy different expressions depending on where and when it is displayed. Variations in the silver foil and texture of the washi make every piece unique, reflecting the charm of handmade craftsmanship. ■ A Small Work of Art to Display or Carry The included stand made from domestically produced Japanese cypress allows the piece to be displayed in an entryway, living room, study, bedroom, shop, or any other space you prefer. Its compact size also allows you to carry it in a wallet, bag, or pouch. You can keep it close to your everyday belongings or take it with you when going out, enjoying it according to your lifestyle. The natural textures of silver-foil washi and Japanese cypress retain an East Asian traditional atmosphere while blending naturally into modern interiors such as modern, natural, and minimalist styles. It also makes a thoughtful gift for those interested in Chinese culture, Taoism, the Five Sacred Mountains, Mount Hua, or ancient imagery. It can also be enjoyed as a Japanese cultural art gift for new beginnings, such as store openings, business launches, new homes, or moving celebrations. ■ Mitaka Mikata | Our Craftsmanship Mitaka Mikata looks to the cultures, imagery, and materials passed down through Japan and East Asia, reinterpreting stories from the past into works that can be incorporated into contemporary lifestyles. Each piece is handcrafted from material selection and lettering to the final finishing process. Design inspired by the culture of the Five Sacred Mountains and the Western Peak Japanese washi decorated with silver foil Individually handcrafted 150 μm laminate coating Includes a stand made from Japanese cypress Compact and easy to display or carry Ancient cultures surrounding mountains and nature, traditions associated with Mount Hua, and the wishes for wealth and prosperity cherished by people throughout history are brought together and reinterpreted through a contemporary perspective as a small work of art celebrating East Asian cultural heritage and the beauty of Japanese materials. ■ How to Display and Enjoy Place the piece on the included Japanese cypress stand and display it on a stable surface. We recommend placing it in a visible area such as a workplace, shop, study, entryway, or living room. It can also be carried in a wallet, bag, or pouch. When carrying it, avoid contact with hard or sharp objects. To preserve the materials and their texture, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature or humidity. ■ Product Details Type: Saigaku Taizo Sogen Shinkun Yuzhenfu Art Materials: Silver-foil washi, Japanese cypress stand Finish: 150 μm laminate coating Created by: Mitaka Mikata (MITAKA MIKATA) Made in: Japan / Handmade ※ This work is a handmade art piece inspired by the traditions of the Five Sacred Mountains, Mount Hua, Taoist talismanic culture, and the traditional transmission of the “Saigaku Taizo Sogen Shinkun Yuzhenfu.” ※ References to blessings and benefits are provided as cultural and traditional context. This work does not guarantee any specific financial gain, business success, real estate profits, or other effects or outcomes. ※ As each piece is individually handmade, variations may occur in the shimmer of the silver foil, the texture of the washi, and the grain and color of the Japanese cypress. These differences are part of the unique character of handmade craftsmanship.