The legacy of an ancient art
Sumi-e was introduced to Japan in the mid-14th century, spreading through Zen monasteries as both an artistic and spiritual practice. Painting thus became a form of meditation, capable of expressing the essence of the subject through just a few essential strokes. Over time, Sumi-e established itself as one of the most representative arts of Japanese culture, preserving its symbolic value and finding expression not only in painting, but also in calligraphy and decorative art.
The discipline of gesture
The technique is based on the use of black ink (sumi) applied with brushes of different sizes onto washi paper, a traditional Japanese medium known for its strength and natural texture. By varying pressure and the amount of water, the artist achieves tonal gradations that create contrasts between solid and empty spaces, giving depth and movement to the composition. Each stroke is final and allows no correction: the power of Sumi-e lies precisely in this essentiality, which demands both technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.
Symbolism and Harmony
On the caseback, the Japanese characters 墨絵 (Sumi-e) are engraved, identifying the painting technique that inspired the model. Around them, an engraved motif evokes ink dissolving in water — a symbol of balance and harmony between gesture and material. The fluid lines and depth of the engravings create a dynamic, vibrant effect, recalling the movement of the brush across the paper. At the bottom appears the progressive numbering from 1 to 500, highlighting the uniqueness of each piece.
A bridge between two worlds
Arsenale Sumi-e 墨絵 is born from the encounter between two traditions that share the same vision of harmony. The satin-finished steel case, rigorous and proportioned, interacts with the Washi paper dial, whose natural texture captures light like a stroke of ink on water. Each element is the result of precise gestures — of hands that translate different sensibilities into a single expression of balance. Wearing it means taking part in this pursuit, carrying on the wrist an object that unites distant cultures through a shared devotion to beauty and craftsmanship.
Limited Edition of 500 pieces
To accompany the watch, a dedicated box has been created that reflects the visual language of the dial, extending the project’s aesthetic beyond the object itself. The surface is decorated with a motif inspired by the original design, reproduced in high definition to preserve the shades and contrasts typical of the Sumi-e technique. On the underside, a short inscription in English and Japanese tells the story behind the concept and the dialogue between art, culture, and technique that guided its development.
CASE MATERIAL: 316L Stainless Steel
DIMENSIONS: Ø40mm, 44mm lug-to-lug
THICKNESS: 9.95mm (including crystal)
DIAL: Crafted on Japanese Washi paper through a five-step pad-printing process
MOVEMENT: Cal. Miyota 9039 Automatic
CRYSTAL: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
BEZEL: 316L Stainless Steel
WATER RESISTANCE: 5 ATM (50 meters)
STRAP: Integrated rubber strap with stainless steel end links
