The Flow of Time
In May 2021 Sam Wilde partnered with Zoffany for a second time to debut Fuubutsushi River, under it's commercial name Eastern Palace, as luxury wallcoverings and interior fabrics.
Sam’s illustrated fine art pattern visualises Japanese’s four main islands sequentially represented by the four seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Through The Seasons
The endless river that weaves through the world serves as a metaphor for the transitions that come with the flow of time.
Whether that’s moving to a new area, falling in love or even letting go of the past. Each transition brings with it transformation, and each of these transformations has its own unique beauty, just like the seasons.
Kingdoms in the Stream
Embodying the theme of Edo mysticism, Fuubutsushi River intertwines Japan's rich natural history with local folkloric traditions. Evoking a sense of liminality within the scene that sits somewhere between reality and surrealism.
Tying the world together further are nuanced details hidden throughout. The pocket of lilies that grow only beneath the bridge between summer and autumn, the flags that flutter with the eastern wind and the shimenawa ropes decorated with paper streamers that bind the shrines and indicate that mischievous spirits resides within them.
