Hobonichi Tokyo National Museum: Hasegawa Tohaku - Pine Forest A5 [Cover Only]

In this work, the artist avoids the prominent outlines typical of ink painting, using only delicate gradations to depict a windswept pine forest with hazy light seeping through the mist. Off in the distance are snow-capped mountains, filling the image with humid, cold air.

Pine Forest is a work of art that was painted by Hasegawa Tohaku nearly 420 years ago during the Azuchi–Momoyama period. The painting currently resides in the Tokyo National Museum as a national treasure and is considered a masterpiece in early modern ink painting. This popular national treasure, which has stolen people’s hearts with its enigmatic charm, is now available as a Hobonichi A5 Cousin cover.

The A5 Cousin size cover focuses on the pine trees from the left-hand screen of the original Pine Forest painting. Whether the cover is open or closed, you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of this national treasure.

One of the butterfly stoppers is illustrated with the snow-capped mountain from the left-hand screen of the original Pine Forest painting, which gives the overall piece a feeling of depth. The bookmarks are thin, elegant ribbons as not to detract from the serene beauty of the artwork on the cover.

The cover interior is a light blue faux leather that evokes the image of thawing snow. When you open your planner, you’ll be soothed by the fresh, cool color scheme and matte texture. The left-hand pocket is pressed with the Tokyo National Museum logo.

The cover comes with an informational card that gives an overall view of the entire original Pine Forest painting, which stretches across a left- and right-hand screen. Looking at this artwork can put your mind at ease, provide a sense of comfort, and remind you of your own hometown or memorable place. Pine Forest has an almost magical charm to it in the way the scenery transcends time and place to resonate with all viewers.