Hobonichi Weeks 2024, Tomitaro Makino: Shihai Mumire

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The Weeks book cover now has the botanical illustration of Shihai Sumire, published by botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino in 1891. The Shihai Sumire, drawn with precise lines throughout, was depicted in the 67th illustration of the 11th collection of the first volume of “Nippon Shokubutsu-shi Zu-hen.”

The purple flower that blooms in the spring in Tosa, Dr. Makino’s birthplace, got its name—Shihai Sumire, “purple-backed violet” in Japanese—from the color of the underside of the leaves. The petals, stems, leaves, roots, stamens, and pistils are carefully observed and depicted, and each flower part is well-balanced.

The rough cloth cover is inspired from the image of a canvas. The botanical illustrations, born from a keen eye for observation, knowledge, and experience, make this techo an ideal companion for your daily life.

The illustrations were drawn about 130 years ago during the Meiji Era, using loupes and microscopes for detailed observation and creating drawings that show the structures of various parts. Using a Makie painting brush with a bundle of mouse hairs, even the smallest details of leaves and fruits are expressed clearly through shading.

When you order this Hobonichi Techo Weeks, you’ll receive a clear, adhesive corner pocket you can stick anywhere you like. The Weeks book has space for writing in plans or journal entries, and it also has 69 pages of grid paper memo pages in the back (73 pages in the English edition Weeks). The back of the book contains informational pages, including An Interview with Myself and Seasonal Sweets to Make at Home.

• English Edition
• January Start