Collection: Tsuru Nichi

The Story of an Artist

A Story inspired by the beauty of traditional watercolour painting and the joy of exploring creativity through a new medium.

Every Story within the House of Norris Archive begins differently, but Tsuru Nichi holds a unique place in my creative journey. It is the only design I have ever created entirely as an original watercolour painting, making it one of the most personal and distinctive Stories I have ever told.

Inspired by the elegance of the Japanese crane, a bird long admired as a symbol of peace, longevity and harmony, I wanted to step away from my usual drawing techniques and allow the soft movement of watercolour to guide the design. Each brushstroke captures a feeling rather than a perfect line, creating a gentler, more expressive piece that celebrates the beauty of traditional painting.

There was no intention to create a collection unlike my others—it simply became a moment of artistic curiosity. I wanted to challenge myself, explore a different medium and discover how the same passion for nature and storytelling could be expressed through paint instead of pencil.

Although every House of Norris Story is deeply personal, Tsuru Nichi remains truly one of a kind. It is the only artwork in the Archive created entirely by hand with watercolour, making it a special milestone in my journey as an artist and a reminder that creativity often begins by stepping outside your comfort zone.

I hope Tsuru Nichi brings the same sense of peace, elegance and quiet reflection into your home that I experienced while painting it, and that it serves as a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected creative journeys become the most memorable.