Hobonichi Cover Yuichi Inoue: Hana (Flower) (A6)
This A6 cover features two of Yuichi Inoue's (1916–1985) "Hana" characters – the Japanese character for flower – printed on the outer fabric. Screen-printed onto natural ecru cotton, every brushstroke and ink splatter is legible in full texture. The interior showcases ecru and vibrant yellow, with delicate lilac bookmark ribbons adding a subtle accent. The butterfly-stopper closure keeps cover and planner securely shut with a single pen threaded through.
Features
- Ichijisho calligraphy in screen print: Yuichi Inoue worked as a calligrapher in the style of single-character works (Ichijisho) – each character painted with a massive, ink-soaked brush on large-format paper. The screen print transfers this quality precisely onto the fabric: brushwork, ink distribution and ink splatters remain visible.
- Two distinct Hana variations: From over 400 "Hana" works by the artist, two were selected. On the right, a bold, space-filling character with expressive energy; on the left, a more airy, wildflower-like version of the same motif – two states of the same character at a glance.
- Natural ecru cotton fabric: The matte, lightly woven surface provides maximum contrast for the black ink application. Soft to the touch and slightly textured – genuine fabric rather than synthetic leather, with no coating.
- Two-tone interior: Ecru and vibrant yellow, plus a lilac bookmark ribbon – the yellow also appears on one side of the butterfly-stopper and is visible when the cover is closed.
- Butterfly-stopper as closure: Two loops sit on the front and back of the cover. A single pen threaded through both loops acts as a hinge and reliably keeps the cover shut – accommodates pen diameters up to 13.5 mm.
- Back exterior pocket with artwork information: The rear exterior pocket displays the reading and meaning of the character "Hana" as well as the artist's name – set in clear, modern typography.
- Handmade in Japan: All Hobonichi covers are handcrafted; minimal pattern and colour variations between individual pieces are characteristic of the manufacturing process and underscore their artisanal quality.
Use & Tips
- Fits Hobonichi Techo Original and Planner in A6 format – the cover accommodates books with a spine up to approximately 12.7 mm without difficulty; slimmer books fit even more easily.
- Pen selection: The butterfly loops are designed for diameters up to 13.5 mm. Slim pens such as thin fineliners or ballpoints insert easily; pens with textured grips may offer slightly more resistance.
- Cover on cover: A transparent protective sleeve (sold separately) places over the cotton fabric and protects the printed weave from daily wear – at the same time, the exterior can be enhanced with postcards, photos or stickers.
- Two bookmark ribbons: Ideal for simultaneously marking the monthly overview and the current day's page – especially in a daily-use Techo, a real time-saver.
- Care: Since the print is applied to white fabric, minimal colour and print variations may occur – with cotton covers, this conveys authenticity rather than a flaw. Store dry and avoid rubbing.
For Calligraphy Enthusiasts
Yuichi Inoue (1916–1985) studied classical calligraphy under Sokyu Ueda and founded the Bokujinkai group in 1952, which broke away from strict traditional formal conventions. He became internationally known through the "Japanese Calligraphy" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (1954). His single-character works were created on paper formats that exceeded his own body height – the brush was guided by the entire body, not merely the hand. The Hana character appears in more than 400 of his works, each time in a different energetic state. The screen print reproduces not only the contour but also the ink dynamics: where the brush was applied, where it accelerated, where ink splattered. Those who understand calligraphy as movement art will recognise precisely that on this cover.
Technical Specifications
| Model / Series: | Yuichi Inoue: Hana (Flower) – A6 Original Size |
| Format: | A6 (fits Hobonichi Techo Original / Planner) |
| Dimensions (cover closed): | approx. 165 × 244 × 3 mm (excluding pen loops) |
| Exterior material: | Natural cotton fabric (ecru) |
| Interior material: | Polyester |
| Printing method: | Screen print |
| Exterior colour: | Ecru with black calligraphy print |
| Interior colour: | Ecru and yellow; bookmark ribbon lilac |
| Closure / pen holder: | Butterfly-stopper (2 loops), max. pen diameter 13.5 mm |
| Bookmarks: | 2 narrow ribbons (lilac) |
| Origin: | Japan |
| Included: | Cover only, no insert block |
