Art

Edition of 817. Signed by Hirst with a printed number on a label to the verso. Damien Hirst's series of cherry blossom paintings was inspired by Nitobe Inazō's book, Bushido: The Soul of Japan (1900), the first book to offer Western audiences an account of the samurai code of ethics. Each of the prints is titled after one of Nitobe's eight virtues. Nitobe explains mercy as "the feeling of distress, love, magnanimity, affection for others, sympathy and pity". It is a tender virtue with a gentleness and persuasiveness that gives it a feminine nature. Nitobe notes that the bravest men are among the tenderest and the most daring are also the most loving. Laminated giclée print on aluminium composite panel. Sheet size: 120 x 96 cm. Excellent condition.