Blessing — Fine Art

Blessing - 1983 by Toko Shinoda shows a calm soft field with a few quiet marks near the centre. The painting belongs to the Japanese ink painting tradition where calligraphic lines meet abstract form. A thin line runs across the surface and a darker shape rests below it.

The fine art print uses matte paper so the grey tones stay flat and do not shine under a lamp. A light frame can sit on a dark wall or a dark frame on a pale surface. The frame finish can follow the wood furniture in the room.

It hangs on the dining room wall above the sideboard, seen from the table across the room. From there the big shapes read first, then the thin black lines come into view. The quiet tone of the work settles beside the plates and glass.