Kokoro (心, koh-koh-rdoh) is a Japanese word often translated as 'heart', but that encompasses a much more complex idea. In the words of Kimiko Gunji, author & professor emeritus of Japanese Arts & Culture in the School of Art & Design at University of Illinois, the concept of kokoro "connotes inclusively the mental, emotional, and spiritual states of all sentient beings". Understanding kokoro as a combination of mind, heart, and spirit, while including feelings, thoughts, and expression may get us closer to this concept, there is no direct translation to English.

The late Kakuzō Okakura, author of "The Book of Tea", illustrates the difficulty of translation saying it "can at its best be only the reverse side of a brocade, all the threads are there, but not the subtlety of color or design." While I don't condone all of Okakura's views, the poetry of these words made an impression on me as someone compelled to define and name everything.

Gunji's wish is for the word to "become more familiar among non-Japanese speaking people, and that it will be adopted as it is, instead of attempting to translate it." So, I will not try to do so. Instead, I share with you my illustrated expression of kokoro...

Inspired by the thoughtfully layered concept, each fold reminds me of the many aspects and complexities of the heart, what it can hold and withstand, and how it expresses itself in so many ways through our words, actions, and what we create. 🤍

This endearing origami kokoro celebrates the Japanese art of origami ("folding paper"), in which delicate, decorative papers are carefully folded into beautiful shapes and figures.

Add to journals, laptops, water bottles, kitchen appliances, pencil holders, or anywhere you could use a little cheer.

➵ DETAILS ➵
▻ Original illustration by Kimberly Taylor-Pestell, printed by a fellow U.S.-based business, and hand-packaged in the Lacelit studio.
▻ Sticker measures 2.5" x 2.4"
▻ Die-cut sticker printed on white vinyl with matte finish using Greenguard gold-certified, eco-solvent ink for durability and reduced impact on the environment. Stickers are weatherproof, scratch-resistant, and odor-free.
 
All designs, photography and graphics are copyright registered and may not be reproduced, altered, or used without written permission from the artist. © Kimberly K. Taylor-Pestell / Lacelit