Sumi ink, gold ink, silver ink, copper ink, and shell white powder are used. No Japanese paper is used. The painting is done directly on the panel. In ancient Chinese legend, the crane was a bird that lived in the fairy world. In Japan, it is a symbol of good fortune and longevity. It is familiar in ink and classical Japanese paintings. It is also used as the corporate symbol of Japan Airlines and Lufthansa German Airlines. This work depicts a crane flying toward the sun. 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-enogu are also made, and are available in a wide variety of colors. Goko, made from shells, is a white pigment with fine particles.
