Kizuna’s signature print, Tsuru is the fruit of a long-lasting collaboration with Australian artist Emma Jennings.

Our bond with Emma began twelve years ago, when she visited our stand at the Melbourne trade fair and showed Alison her portfolio. Her unique style shone forth with intricate, nature-inspired artworks painted on handmade Japanese paper. Hints of Oriental design in Emma’s portfolio made an immediate impression on Alison, realising they both shared an affinity for the very same inspiration source. 

The very first design that Emma helped bring to life was our Plumiere print in two best-selling colourways of green and aqua; a hand-painted scene bursting with life as birds and butterflies dance around delicate cherry blossoms and magnificent magnolias. 

Our Hanami, Cigna and Chouchin prints followed, each design brought into their final form through Emma’s artistic finesse and careful attention to detail. 

Twelve years later, the design process has well and truly fallen into a natural flow with our new collaboration on Tsuru. 

Our team provides Emma with a colour palette and design brief to fit the collection theme. She then works her magic, with initial pencil drawings coming first. Since each print is made into many different products, the scale and repeat of the design is critical. A back-and-forth exchange of creative tweaks ensue, culminating in a final, hand-painted version – and many gasps of admiration across the office!

Shop the Print: Tsuru Natural | Tsuru Spruce

Emma is an incredibly hard-working artist, with her own gallery and studio in Olinda Village, situated in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Open to the public, Emma Jennings Gallery & Studio is a perfect reflection of the artist herself. Thoughtfully crafted pieces are showcased in a space where Emma herself is actually working on new art, creating an atmosphere that is soulful and heart filled.

If you are ever in Melbourne, the rolling hills and temperate rainforest of the Dandenong Ranges make a beautiful daytrip – and Emma’s gallery is a must-visit, for a glimpse into the realm of a true artist who taps into the endless wellspring of nature and her own creative spirit.

 Learn more about Emma