Flower of Life Bonds

Abstract Mixed Media Artwork

Lena Okamoto is an artist committed to reviving the beauty and depth of Japan’s traditional textiles through contemporary art. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation, blending authentic antique kimono fabrics with carefully selected materials that carry their rich histories.

This artwork explores the timeless Japanese concept of connection and harmony through the motif of Shippo-tsunagi, often translated as the “Flower of Life.” In Eastern culture, this pattern symbolizes unbroken bonds, unity, and the continuity of life itself. The circular interlacing shapes represent infinite connection—where one form seamlessly joins another, creating an eternal chain. To bring this symbolism to life, Lena selected a single vintage obi (kimono belt) and worked with both its front and reverse sides. By reuniting them within one composition, she not only highlights the hidden beauty often unseen in traditional dress but also creates a dialogue between contrasts - inside and outside, visible and concealed, past and present.

Through this thoughtful union, the textile transcends its original role as attire and transforms into a meditation on relationships: how different facets of existence remain bound together by invisible threads. The work is at once a tribute to Japanese craftsmanship and a contemporary expression of interconnectedness, carrying forward cultural heritage into a new form of artistic life.

NOTE: The 1st image shows the full painting, with the following images showcasing closeups of the artwork, detailing the work done by the artist.

Painting is signed by the artist.

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