Love (愛) – Limited Edition Fine Art Print on Japanese Washi

"Strength is not found in the heat of summer, but in the heart of winter."

Created in January 2026, Love (愛 — Ai) serves as the conceptual anchor for the year. Featuring two pigeons nestled amidst a lush garden of winter peonies, this work redefines "Love" not as a fleeting emotion, but as a resilient energy.

In the Japanese tradition, the winter peony is a miracle of cultivation—blooming against the frost through sheer care and protection. Here, it represents the motivation required to start anew at the beginning of the year. The two pigeons symbolize a shared resilience; a partnership of spirit that thrives even when the conditions are harsh. This is a portrait of love as an active, motivating force.

The Medium: 250g Japanese Washi The "Love" print requires a delicate balance of deep shadows and soft floral highlights. The 250g heavy-weight Washi provides a textured, matte surface that absorbs light, mimicking the soft, papery petals of the peony itself. Utilizing the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100, the rich reds and soft greys are captured with archival permanence, ensuring the "energy" of this piece lasts for generations.

Limited Edition Collectibility

• Release: May 2026
• Edition Size: Strictly limited to 20 prints.
• Size: SRA3 (320 x 450 mm)
• Authentication: Hand-signed and numbered. Each print is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity documenting the winter peony motif.

©2026 Ryuku Otsuka, All Rights Reserved.