The Union

Contents

• About the work

  The Union takes marriage — a recurring subject in medieval art — and reimagines it from a contemporary perspective.

  At its center, two figures stand side by side beneath a tree, one holding a book and the other an hourglass. Around them unfolds a garden inhabited by birds, animals, a dragon, hybrid creatures, and the strange and playful figures known as “drolleries” that once inhabited the margins of medieval manuscripts.

  The union depicted in The Union is not defined by possession, hierarchy, or prescribed roles. Instead, it celebrates the choice of two independent people to walk through life beside one another — with mutual respect, learning, and room for each to grow.

  In this sense, the “union” celebrated by the work extends beyond marriage as a religious or legal institution.

• Materials & technique

  The original artwork was painted on calf vellum, a material traditionally used for luxury medieval manuscripts.

  The fine art print preserves the natural variations in tone and the visual character of the original vellum surface. Each print is then individually finished by Miho Tamaki in her Tokyo studio with genuine 24K gold leaf.

  The gold is not a printed effect. It is real gold applied by hand to the surface of every individual piece.

  As with gold in medieval illuminated manuscripts, its appearance changes with the light — sometimes quiet, sometimes brilliantly reflective.

  Because the gilding is done by hand, subtle variations occur from piece to piece. These are a natural part of the process and make each work slightly different.

• A work to give - or to keep

  The Union was created for moments when two people choose to begin a life together.

  It may be chosen by the two themselves, or given by someone who wishes to celebrate their union.

  Marriage and weddings may be such occasions, but the meaning of the work is not limited to them.

  The work is complete as it is. For those who wish to make it more personal, the space beneath the inscription may be used to add the two names or signatures and a date.

  At a wedding ceremony, the work may also be used as a ceremonial marriage vow for the couple to sign.

  The Union is not a numbered limited edition. It is intended to remain available over time.

  Whenever two people, somewhere in the world, choose to begin a life together, Miho Tamaki will continue to finish each piece individually with gold leaf.

• Shipping & Care

  Each piece is individually gilded and prepared for shipment by the artist in Tokyo.

  Please allow 15 business days before dispatch.

  Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the destination.

  The packaging is designed to protect the work during shipping and is not intended for long-term storage.

  For extended storage or framing, please use appropriate archival-quality protective materials.

  The work is supplied unframed. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and excessive humidity.

  Customs duties and import taxes are not included in the purchase price or shipping cost unless otherwise stated at checkout. Any such charges are the responsibility of the recipient.

• Returns & Damaged Orders

  As each piece is individually hand-gilded and prepared to order, cancellations, returns, and exchanges are not accepted.
  
  Subtle variations in the hand-applied gold leaf are a natural part of the process and are not considered defects.
  
  If your work arrives with significant damage or a serious defect, please contact us within 7 days of delivery and include photographs of the artwork, the packaging, and the shipping box. Please retain all original packaging until the issue has been resolved.
  
  Once the issue has been confirmed, a replacement will be made and shipped at no additional cost.
  
  This policy does not affect any rights you may have under applicable law.