Description
Japanese Beauty Art Book The Princess Who Plays the Heart Murata Kenichi NEW. Kenichi Murata. Around 2022, the motif of the heart began to appear in Murata’s work. The result is a work suffused with Murata’s signature arcane aura. the vegetation and mushrooms surrounding the models feel ominous;. The Princess Who Plays the Heart “Please give me a heart—one that can house a soul.” So spoke the princess, gazing toward the heavens with arms outstretched… A mystical allegory of esoteric eros, photographed under the narrative of a goddess-centered heart cult. This long-awaited photo book brings together photographer Kenichi Murata’s newest frontier—where the desire for life tames death itself. Includes the companion work “The Skull and I.” ⸻ In Murata Kenichi’s work, storytelling has always played a vital role. His narratives are often constructed through grand pseudo-historical and pseudo-religious visions—featuring figures such as Kannon, angels, and goddesses. Skulls, crows, penguins, frogs, mushrooms, and other symbolic props are carefully placed as metaphors that deepen the story. Around 2022, the motif of the heart began to appear in Murata’s work. Amid the intense tension between death and life that defined his earlier creations, the heart emerged as a new symbol of life—distinct from eros. Yet the atmosphere remains unmistakably magical: the vegetation and mushrooms surrounding the models feel ominous; the heart, bestowed from above, radiates mystery; and scenes where models are connected to the heart by tubes evoke the unsettling imagery of a pseudo-scientific experiment. The result is a work suffused with Murata’s signature arcane aura. We invite you to take your time and fully experience the signs of this new stage in Murata Kenichi’s artistic journey. — Kyo Satsuki ⸻ Models: Halca / Komari / Toko Morinomiya / Nanano Photographer: Kenichi Murata Photographer. Held his first solo exhibition in 1996 under the curation of photography critic Kotaro Iizawa. Since then, he has continued to hold multiple solo exhibitions each year, both in Japan and abroad. Handling Time • Items are typically shipped within 10 business days after cleared payment. Shipping & Customs Policy All items are shipped directly from Japan. 1. Free Worldwide Shipping We offer free shipping worldwide. Free shipping is usually handled by Japan Post, with an estimated delivery time of 2–3 weeks. 2. Express Shipping (Optional) If you need faster delivery, international express shipping is available for an additional fee. Carriers may include EMS, FedEx, or DHL, depending on the destination and item type. • Europe (including the UK): approx. 5–7 business days • Outside Europe: approx. 6–10 business days 3. Remote Area Delivery If your delivery address is considered a remote area, the carrier may apply an additional surcharge. In such cases, an extra fee of approximately EUR 10–15 (GBP 8–12) may be required. Thank you for your understanding. ⸻ Import Duties & Taxes ⚠️ Import duties and taxes are NOT included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility and are usually collected by eBay or the courier. Please check with your local customs office before purchasing to understand possible additional costs. If customs duties make the final price unreasonable, feel free to contact us to discuss pricing. Returns & Refunds We offer a 30-day return policy for your peace of mind. However, to maintain product condition and resale quality, we can only accept returns of items that are unopened and in their original packaging. ⸻ If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. We respond quickly and are dedicated to providing you with the best service possible. Every order is carefully packed with attention and care — thank you for choosing our store!