Stamp Collection
Brushstrokes of Edo
An Illustrative Stamp Collection Highlighting the Cultural Landscape of Ancient Edo Japan
Project Category: Product design, Brand identity
Fall 2024
Softwares: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dimension
Research and Inspiration:
During the initial research phase of my project, I found inspiration for this concept after watching a recently released Netflix series called ‘Blue Eye Samurai’ which incorpo- rates many historically accurate elements from the Ancient Edo Japan period into their environment design. I referenced many artworks made during the period that were painted with watercolor on a scroll texture and intricately detailed with thin, black ink. In order to accurately represent the wide-ranging aspects of the time period and culture, I decided to create a lively panoramic scene of a marketplace. I also wanted to play around with interactive collectibility. I thought I could design the stamps as puzzle pieces that fit together into larger artworks when assembled, encouraging collectors to complete the series. This could be a map of Edo, a traditional screen painting, or a festival scene.
Primary Palette
Secondary Palette
Sketches/Illustration Process
As I continued to ideate and refine various aspects of the composition, I referenced a multitude of images of komono illustrations, festival scenes, architecture, cherry blossom paintings, and marketplace scenes. I added a light wash of tan watercolor paint to create a consistent background texture that was reminiscent of the time period. I also wanted to include a variety of people from the time, including dancers, festival workers, women, men, and children. Many of the komonos have lightly detailed floral patterns and designs referenced from what was commonly seen in Edo’s fashion style. I slowly built up watercolor layering and added tiny details with the pen brush tool in Adobe Illustrator to get this effect.
Click here to view a more in-depth look on my process
Final Design
Final Design Statement
This stamp panel collection captures the cultural tapestry of Ancient Edo Japan. Rendered in watercolor and ink pen, the design combines a marketplace scene, where children play, women in kimonos stroll, and festival dancers bring life to the streets. Cherry blossom trees frame the composition while traditional architecture and the atmosphere of shared meals showcase the heart of Edo’s rich history. Each stamp invites viewers on a journey through a landscape rich with history, storytelling, and
artistry.
