Sparrow ＆ Nandina, 2026
Watercolor, washi tape on wood panel
8" × 9.5"
Watercolor, washi tape on wood panel
8" × 9.5"
Nandina, with its clusters of red berries, is a classic painting subject in winter, and the sparrow is perhaps the most beloved "everyday" bird in Japanese art and culture. Nandina is called nanten in Japanese, sounding like “nan” (hardship) and “ten” (turning away). Therefore, nandina appears in Japanese New Year's decorations as a wish to avoid all troubles throughout the new year.