Made with Japanese paper, mizuohashi, and iwagaki (mineral pigments). Paphiopedilum is a genus of orchids with characteristic bag-shaped lip petals. Its name means goddess slippers (sandals). The original species is a plant whose international trade is strictly regulated by the Washington Convention. This work depicts a flower and a morpho butterfly. Japanese painting" is based on a style of painting that has existed for more than 1,000 years, and its materials are old, historically cultivated, and traditional. The technique involves painting on Japanese paper, silk, wood, etc., using natural pigments such as sumi ink, iwa-enogu (mineral pigments), and gofun (gofun), and glue as an adhesive. Gold and other metal materials (gold leaf, etc.) are also used. Iwa-enogu, made from ores, is a beautiful, sand-like powder. Mizuhigure, made from clay, is a fine, stretchy paint with fine particles. Artificial versions of iwa-enogu and mizuhoshi egur are also made, and are available in a wide variety of colors. Goko, made from shells, is a white pigment with fine particles.
