Beiyue Taizu Zhenjun / Mt. Heng Art / Silver Washi・Hinoki

■Bringing the Culture of Northern Yue and Hengshan into Modern Life In China, there is a long-standing cultural tradition centered around the “Five Great Mountains” known as the Five Sacred Mountains, or Wuyue (五岳). Representing the east, west, south, north, and center, these mountains have played an important role in Chinese history and culture. One of them, Northern Yue — Mount Hengshan — has long been associated with mountain worship, Daoist culture, and imperial rituals. In the traditional Five Elements philosophy, the north is also associated with “water,” giving rise to a distinctive worldview that connects direction, seasons, and the cycles of nature. Inspired by the history and culture of the Five Mountains, Northern Yue, and Mount Hengshan, as well as traditional views of the north and water, this piece reinterprets traditional imagery as a handmade art object designed to fit naturally into modern everyday spaces. ■Hokugaku Taishō Mukyoku Shinkun Goshinfu — Origins and Tradition “Hokugaku Taishō Mukyoku Shinkun Goshinfu” (北岳太祖無極真君御真符) is one of the traditional talismanic forms associated with the culture of the Five Mountains and Mount Hengshan, with roots in Daoist talismanic traditions. There are various traditions concerning the deity associated with Northern Yue, and its name and role differ depending on the historical source. In materials concerning the Five Mountains talismans, “Hokugaku Taishō Mukyoku Shinkun no Shinfu” (北岳太祖無極真君之神符) is introduced as one of the Northern Yue talismans and has traditionally been associated with protection of the north, protection from misfortune, wishes for health and longevity, and protection from dangers related to water. While respecting these traditional meanings, we have reinterpreted this ancient worldview into a piece that allows its cultural and symbolic beauty to be appreciated in a modern living environment. ■Traditional Wishes and the Idea of “Protecting and Preserving” Beliefs associated with Mount Hengshan in Northern Yue have traditionally included wishes to keep misfortune and difficulties at bay, to enjoy a healthy and long life, to avoid dangers involving water, and to maintain personal safety and peaceful everyday life. The connection between the north and water also inspires a modern interpretation of water as something that flows, gathers, and continuously circulates in nature. From this perspective, we associate it with ideas such as “protecting,” “building over time,” “preserving,” and “carrying something forward into the future.” This piece is especially suited to moments when you are quietly looking ahead, such as a turning point in your work or daily life, moving into a new home, or making plans for the future. ■Silver-Leaf Washi and Japanese Craftsmanship The piece is made with washi paper decorated with delicate silver leaf and is carefully finished entirely by hand. The soft texture of washi harmonizes with the subtle shimmer of silver leaf, creating a calm yet dignified presence. Placed on the included stand made from Japanese-grown hinoki cypress, it can be displayed in an entranceway, living room, study, bedroom, or other personal space. Its compact size also makes it possible to carry without the stand, such as in a wallet or bag. Enjoy it in whichever way best suits your lifestyle — either as a decorative piece or as a small cultural object to carry with you. ■The Craftsmanship of Mitaka Mikata Mitaka Mikata reinterprets the cultures, traditional imagery, and views of nature passed down through Japan and East Asia into handmade works that feel at home in contemporary everyday life. Design inspired by the culture and traditions of the Five Mountains, Northern Yue, and Mount Hengshan A piece rooted in Daoist and traditional talismanic culture Made with silver-leaf washi Carefully handmade one by one Finished with 150 μm lamination Includes a stand made from Japanese-grown hinoki cypress Compact enough to be displayed or carried in a wallet or bag This piece is ideal for those interested in Chinese culture, the Five Mountains, Mount Hengshan, Daoism, mountain traditions, and historical imagery, as well as for anyone looking for an interior art piece with a sense of history and story, or a small cultural object that can be kept close at hand. ※ This work is a handmade art piece inspired by the culture of the Five Mountains, Northern Yue and Mount Hengshan, Daoist talismanic traditions, and the historical tradition surrounding the “Hokugaku Taishō Mukyoku Shinkun Goshinfu.” ※ The traditional cultural and religious meanings described above are provided as historical and cultural context. This work does not guarantee any specific effects, outcomes, or improvements in health or personal circumstances. ※ As each piece is handmade individually, there may be variations in the shimmer of the silver leaf, the texture of the washi, and the grain and color of the hinoki wood. We hope you enjoy these subtle differences as part of the unique character of handmade craftsmanship.