White tiger of the west - Blue dragon of the east
The panel above is made from two separate puzzles White tiger and Blue dragon listed separately below. (March 2010: Now each puzzle also in 450 small pieces!) Although traditional rivals, these two share roles in Chinese mythology as protector gods - the white tiger in the west and the blue dragon in the east. Mark Schumacher has lots more details on his page on Ssu Ling (the Chinese name for the four protector gods).
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The four gods, the white tiger and blue dragon to west and east, Genbu the entwined snake/turtle to the north, and a splendidly flamboyant Suzaku (the red bird) occupying the foreground. All this in Kayomi's distinctive warm tones making a rich and impressive picture.
 This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.
 In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 3000 pieces; 102 x 73 cm (40" x 29")
Code: E21101 (21-101 on box)
Retail price ¥4800 (approx. US$50.53 €38.71 £32.65)
Shipping from ¥1950 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$20.53 €15.73 £13.27)
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This challenging puzzle includes no less than five of Kayomi's fluffy but fierce dragons. Five is the number of ancient Chinese elements, which are associated with the cardinal directions (including "centre"), and also with colours. So the central yellow dragon symbolises imperial authority, and manifests rank by having five claws and holding the magic ball. Around the four corners are the four protectorate dragons: Black to the north, Blue to the east, Red to the south, and White to the west. (These also match with the colours of the four protectorate gods.)
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 3000 pieces; 102 x 73 cm (40" x 29")
Code: E21105 (21-105 on box)
Retail price ¥4800 (approx. US$50.53 €38.71 £32.65)
Shipping from ¥2050 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$21.58 €16.53 £13.95)
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The cherry blossoms set off this white tiger, but do not make it look any less fearsome!
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E23074 (23-074 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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A pair of bright-eyed owls perch on a pine branch, with the auspicious Mount Fuji in the background. The owl is perhaps universally revered for its wisdom, but in Japanese tradition the owl is also associated with many other lucky properties, bringing monetary fortune, success in business and study, marital harmony and long life.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E23055 (23-055 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
A very dramatic composition: the dragon looks fearsome, but is thought of as a lucky sign, rising through the auspicious purple cloud above Mount Fuji in the distance.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 50 x 75 cm (20" x 30")
Code: E24107 (24-107 on box)
Retail price ¥3500 (approx. US$36.84 €28.23 £23.81)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
Where do dragons come from? There is a gorge called Longmen ("Dragon-gate") on the Yellow River that flows so fast it is said that any carp that managed to swim up it will turn itself into a dragon, the King of the scaly beasts.
This picture is ideally suited to the traditional vertical format. Two carp leap upward, while a confident dragon shows his mettle at the top. This seemingly impossible climb is used as a metaphor for achievement in the world—and there is further good fortune indicated by the combination of pine and carp. (More wordplay: this can be read shôri, which with different characters means "victory".)
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1518 pieces; 34 x 102 cm (13" x 40")
Code: E18005 (18-005 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1100 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$11.58 €8.87 £7.48)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
The silver tiger takes an aggressive stance under the silvery moon...
This puzzle forms a pair with E18009, the Golden Tiger.
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1518 pieces; 34 x 102 cm (13" x 40")
Code: E18010 (18-010 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1100 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$11.58 €8.87 £7.48)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
Kayomi makes the golden tiger a warm, almost cuddly, creature, yet he looks fierce enough...
This puzzle forms a pair with E18010, the Silver Tiger.
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1518 pieces; 34 x 102 cm (13" x 40")
Code: E18009 (18-009 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1100 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$11.58 €8.87 £7.48)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
The tiger and dragon snarl at each other, in this stylish "vertical panorama" — a format long used for traditional wall hangings. Although the title is just "Tiger and dragon" these are plainly the Chinese protector-gods, and the artist has added their Chinese names on the box: Qing-long, the blue dragon of the east, and Bai-hu, the white tiger of the west.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1518 pieces; 34 x 102 cm (13" x 40")
Code: E18006 (18-006 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
A writhing dragon positively radiates energy as it climbs the waterfall, just like the legendary carp turning into a dragon by swimming up the "Dragongate" gorge on the Yellow River. Dragons have been venerated since ancient time as harbingers of good fortune of all sorts.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1518 pieces; 34 x 102 cm (13" x 40")
Code: E18020 (18-020 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1100 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$11.58 €8.87 £7.48)
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The white dragon has rather friendly-looking blue eyes, though his claws are sharp enough. This puzzle will not be easy, as almost all of the pieces are one shade of blue or another.
When completed, this puzzle also forms a panorama image with E11202, "Blue dragon of the east," (but the pieces are different sizes).
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1500 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E14107 (14-107 on box)
Retail price ¥3500 (approx. US$36.84 €28.23 £23.81)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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The combination of hawk, pine, and Fuji is an auspicious one, the hawk a symbol of strength, the evergreen pine a sign of endurance, and the red Mount Fuji a sacred Shinto symbol. Kayomi's hawk almost fills the frame, and indeed looks a fearsome predator.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1500 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E15058 (15-058 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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The four gods, the white tiger and blue dragon to west and east, Genbu the entwined snake/turtle to the north, and a splendidly flamboyant Suzaku (the red bird) occupying the foreground. All this in Kayomi's distinctive warm tones making a rich and impressive picture.
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11340 (11-340 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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A very fierce-looking tiger threads his way through the bamboo... Kayomi's warm style does not lack impact in this very naturalistic scene.
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11346 (11-346 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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His huge mane highlighted by the sun, this white lion roars and breathes fire. Fearsome, yet with the typical Kayomi softening.
The box includes the legend "Bai-shizi", which is the Chines (pinyin) reading of the characters for "White lion".
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11404 (11-404 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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The classic dragon pose and features (particularly the pair of long wavy whiskers) — and this fine specimen also clutches the symbolic Chintamani Stone, or "treasure ball".
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11379 (11-379 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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This challenging puzzle includes no less than five of Kayomi's fluffy but fierce dragons. Five is the number of ancient Chinese elements, which are associated with the cardinal directions (including "centre"), and also with colours. So the central yellow dragon symbolises imperial authority, and manifests rank by having five claws and holding the magic ball. Around the four corners are the four protectorate dragons: Black to the north, Blue to the east, Red to the south, and White to the west. (These also match with the colours of the four protectorate gods.)
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11386 (11-386 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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The white tiger, protector god of the west, looking suitably fierce, yet in Kayomi's characteristically soft style. The box includes the characters for 'West: white tiger', and the Chinese reading 'Bai-hu' for "White tiger."
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11201 (11-201 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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The blue dragon, protector god of the east, shows his teeth, while his long long tail writhes into the distance among the lightning strikes. The box includes the characters for 'East: blue dragon', and the Chinese reading 'Qing-long' for "Blue dragon."
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11202 (11-202 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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Although kirin is the modern Japanese word for 'giraffe', it originally refers to a quite different mythical beast, here portrayed by Kayomi in her inimitable soft but vivid style.
This puzzle forms a pair with E11374, the Phoenix.
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11373 (11-373 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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Kayomi gives the phoenix a splendid appearance...
This puzzle forms a pair with E11373, the Kirin.
In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 75 x 50 cm (30" x 20")
Code: E11374 (11-374 on box)
Retail price ¥3000 (approx. US$31.58 €24.19 £20.41)
Shipping from ¥1200 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$12.63 €9.68 £8.16)
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The white tiger, protector god of the west, looking suitably fierce, yet in Kayomi's characteristically soft style. The box includes the characters for 'West: white tiger', and the Chinese reading 'Bai-hu' for "White tiger."
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 450 pieces; 38 x 26 cm (15" x 10")
Code: E08038 (08-038 on box)
Normally ¥1400 - special offer 50% off: ¥700 (approx. US$7.37 €5.65 £4.76)
Shipping from ¥500 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$5.26 €4.03 £3.40)
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The blue dragon, protector god of the east, shows his teeth, while his long long tail writhes into the distance among the lightning strikes. The box includes the characters for 'East: blue dragon', and the Chinese reading 'Qing-long' for "Blue dragon."
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 450 pieces; 38 x 26 cm (15" x 10")
Code: E08039 (08-039 on box)
Retail price ¥1400 (approx. US$14.74 €11.29 £9.52)
Shipping from ¥500 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$5.26 €4.03 £3.40)
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The white dragon has rather friendly-looking blue eyes, though his claws are sharp enough. This puzzle will not be easy, as almost all of the pieces are one shade of blue or another.
This puzzle can also be combined with E08039 "Blue dragon of the east" to form a panorama puzzle.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Apollo puzzle: 450 pieces; 38 x 26 cm (15" x 10")
Code: P46502 (46-502 on box)
Retail price ¥1400 (approx. US$14.74 €11.29 £9.52)
Shipping from ¥500 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$5.26 €4.03 £3.40)
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The combination of hawk, pine, and Fuji is an auspicious one, the hawk a symbol of strength, the evergreen pine a sign of endurance, and the red Mount Fuji a sacred Shinto symbol. Kayomi's hawk almost fills the frame, and indeed looks a fearsome predator.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. This puzzle has the same image printed on both sides. In stock
An Apollo puzzle: 450 pieces; 38 x 26 cm (15" x 10")
Code: P44704 (44-704 on box)
Retail price ¥2000 (approx. US$21.05 €16.13 £13.61)
Shipping from ¥500 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$5.26 €4.03 £3.40)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
The silver tiger takes an aggressive stance under the silvery moon...
This puzzle forms a pair with E52109, the Golden Tiger.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 420 pieces; 18 x 52 cm (7" x 20")
Code: E52110 (52-110 on box)
Retail price ¥1800 (approx. US$18.95 €14.52 £12.24)
Shipping from ¥600 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$6.32 €4.84 £4.08)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
Kayomi makes the golden tiger a warm, almost cuddly, creature, yet he looks fierce enough...
This puzzle forms a pair with E52110, the Silver Tiger.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 420 pieces; 18 x 52 cm (7" x 20")
Code: E52109 (52-109 on box)
Retail price ¥1800 (approx. US$18.95 €14.52 £12.24)
Shipping from ¥600 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$6.32 €4.84 £4.08)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
Where do dragons come from? There is a gorge called Longmen ("Dragon-gate") on the Yellow River that flows so fast it is said that any carp that managed to swim up it will turn itself into a dragon, the King of the scaly beasts.
This picture is ideally suited to the traditional vertical format. Two carp leap upward, while a confident dragon shows his mettle at the top. This seemingly impossible climb is used as a metaphor for achievement in the world—and there is further good fortune indicated by the combination of pine and carp. (More wordplay: this can be read shôri, which with different characters means "victory".)
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 420 pieces; 18 x 52 cm (7" x 20")
Code: E52138 (52-138 on box)
Retail price ¥1800 (approx. US$18.95 €14.52 £12.24)
Shipping from ¥600 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$6.32 €4.84 £4.08)
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© Harai Kayomi / Studio Oz
A pair of dragons make fearsome adversaries. But in Buddhist-inspired mythology, they are not seen as evil, rather as symbols of right. Here each dragon has one claw extended as if to fight, but in the other holds the wish-fulfilling jewel, or cintamani (in Sanskrit), of both Buddhist and Hindu tradition.
This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size. In stock
An Epoch puzzle: 420 pieces; 52 x 18 cm (20" x 7")
Code: E52137 (52-137 on box)
Retail price ¥1800 (approx. US$18.95 €14.52 £12.24)
Shipping from ¥600 (N. America, Europe, Australasia: approx. US$6.32 €4.84 £4.08)
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Harai Kayomi
No biographical details available. She signs her given name Kayomi in Roman letters.
Her style is quite distinctive - soft and fluffy - and perhaps her work is done with pastels, though it is difficult to tell from just a print.
