"Speaking Kokeshi" is a cultural project that combines visual elements of Japan 日本,
between kokeshi dolls こけし and proverbs (kotowaza) 諺, idioms, sayings, and lifestyle.
It is a collection of illustrated Japanese proverbs.
The collection started in May 2023.
New Kokeshi are published regularly.
The visuals are individually drawn. No AI or whateverGPT.
Merchandising & NFT collection.

ILLUSTRATED JAPANESE PROVERBS

#029 Reality can be constructed using our imagination, yet unable to rival it. 見ぬが花

見ぬが花
« Minu ga hana »

Literal: Not seeing is a flower.

Meaning: Reality can be constructed using our imagination, yet unable to rival it.

Kotowaza, proverb.

In Japan, flowers are used to represent imagination, beauty, and oftentimes politeness.

the collection

#001 Avoid stating your abilities without reason.

#002 Everything or nothing.

#003 Running after two hares.

#004 It's wise to remain silent.

#005 Even the most ruthless people sometimes shed tears.

#006 There is no great genius without a mixture of madness.

#007 To provoke a bad situation unnecessarily.

#008 To create meaningful experiences during youthfulness.

#009 A conflict between two sides leads to the benefit of a third.

#010 To avoid an unpleasant situation.

#011 To achieve two objectives with the same action.

#012 A closed mind is limited by its own knowledge.

#013 Drunkenness reveals the true face of people.

#014 Crowd gathering panda.

#015 Take proactive measures to prevent problems.

#016 The fish in the water.

#017 Just start, and the path will clear.

#018 Everyone can make mistakes.

#019 Diabolical.

#020 Everyone has their limits.

#021 True understanding can be achieved through a deep connection or unspoken communication.

#022 An easy prey.

#023 Only a fool deals with a fool.

#024 To give something to someone who, due to not understanding or appreciating its value, is unable to take advantage of it.

#025 Someone who's been killed can't reveal big secrets.

#026 Something valuable is wasted on someone who cannot appreciate its worth.

#027 Cultivating talents and interests contribute to success and well-being.

#028 Every moment of life is precious.

#029 Reality can be constructed using our imagination, yet unable to rival it.

#030 Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

#031 What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

#032 An amateur is unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

#033 Love is blind.

#034 A key step towards success.

#035 Adopting a morning routine for one's well-being and health is an invaluable virtue.

#036 Betrayed by a trusted subordinate.

#037 Avoid rushing blindly and proceed thoughtfully to avoid having to start over completely.

#038 Understanding one aspect of reality while falsely believing you understand it all.

#039 Reason for being.

#040 Moving forward despite failures.

graphic edition

Encouragement Daruma.

Kawaii encouragement Daruma.

art prints & mugs

You love Japanese culture and would like to have these proverbs at home? Visit MIBEARTSHOP.COM to order the art prints and mugs from the classic SPEAKING KOKESHI collection, as well as the graphic edition.

Speaking Kokeshi was born out of my passion for Japanese culture and my love for art. The original idea was to adapt the tradition of 19th-century European talking plates to modern times, integrating elements of Japanese culture. This concept evolved into a black and white drawing, starting with the cat number 24 of the collection, with the hope that, unlike the proverb that accompanies it, you would derive something precious from it.

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