IN’EI RAISAN — “In Praise of Shadows”EAST INTERSECTS WEST 611
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¥3,847
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¥3,847
Regular price
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This design is based on a reinterpretation of a historical Coptic limestone cross dating from approximately the 4th to 8th century CE.
Rather than reproducing the original artifact directly, the form of the cross has been reconstructed into a balanced equal-armed geometry, emphasizing symmetry, sacred proportion, and spiritual equilibrium. Through this transformation, the symbolic essence of the original Coptic object is preserved while translated into a contemporary minimalist visual language.
The historical origins of the cross lie within the highly syncretic culture of Late Antique Egypt, where Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and early Christian traditions intersected. During this period, Alexandria served as one of the intellectual and spiritual centers of the Mediterranean world, where philosophy, mysticism, theology, and science coexisted and influenced one another.
The spiral motifs carved into the cross are believed to represent stylized grapevines — symbols associated in early Christianity with mystical union, spiritual abundance, and the Eucharist. The radiating forms extending outward from the central floral or solar motif suggest divine illumination and the expansion of sacred order into the cosmos.
The equal-armed structure also evokes ancient cosmological symbolism related to the four cardinal directions and intermediary points, concepts shared across Hermetic, Greco-Roman, and numerous mystical traditions.
IN’EI RAISAN — “In Praise of Shadows”
In this work, the ancient Coptic cross is paired with the Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept “In’ei Raisan” (陰翳礼讃), widely recognized through Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s exploration of shadow, subtlety, and traditional Japanese beauty.
The phrase may be translated as:
“In Praise of Shadows.”
Rather than celebrating brilliance, excess illumination, or overt display, the concept values ambiguity, stillness, texture, and the quiet depth revealed within darkness.
Within Japanese aesthetics, shadow is not understood as the absence of meaning, but as a space in which atmosphere, spirituality, and contemplation emerge.
Although separated geographically and theologically, both Coptic spirituality and Eastern philosophy contemplate:
• sacredness within silence and obscurity
• spiritual depth beyond visible surface
• contemplation through restraint
• the relationship between light, shadow, and transcendence
The original Coptic cross itself reflects this sensibility.
Its carved limestone surface, spiral vine motifs, and radiating geometry were not intended as purely decorative elements, but as symbolic structures whose meaning gradually unfolds through attention and contemplation.
The equal-armed geometry of the reconstructed cross further reinforces a sense of still equilibrium — a sacred form emerging quietly from shadow rather than asserting itself through dominance.
In early Christian symbolism, divine light was often understood not as harsh illumination, but as mystical revelation emerging from spiritual darkness.
Similarly, Japanese aesthetics have long regarded shadow as essential to beauty, depth, and emotional resonance.
By combining these symbolic traditions, the design becomes a meditation on subtlety — an exploration of how silence, darkness, and restraint can reveal spiritual presence more profoundly than spectacle.
A convergence of archaeology, sacred geometry, contemplative philosophy, and minimalist form.
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of 100% ring-spun cotton and is soft and comfy. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite!
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• All Heather colors are 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years
Other compliance information: Meets the flammability, lead, cadmium, phthalates and formaldehyde level requirements.
In compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), Oak inc. and SINDEN VENTURES LIMITED ensure that all consumer products offered are safe and meet EU standards. For any product safety related inquiries or concerns, please contact our EU representative at gpsr@sindenventures.com. You can also write to us at 123 Main Street, Anytown, Country or Markou Evgenikou 11, Mesa Geitonia, 4002, Limassol, Cyprus.
IN’EI RAISAN — “In Praise of Shadows”EAST INTERSECTS WEST 611
¥3,847
Sale price
¥3,847
Regular price
Rather than reproducing the original artifact directly, the form of the cross has been reconstructed into a balanced equal-armed geometry, emphasizing symmetry, sacred proportion, and spiritual equilibrium. Through this transformation, the symbolic essence of the original Coptic object is preserved while translated into a contemporary minimalist visual language.
The historical origins of the cross lie within the highly syncretic culture of Late Antique Egypt, where Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and early Christian traditions intersected. During this period, Alexandria served as one of the intellectual and spiritual centers of the Mediterranean world, where philosophy, mysticism, theology, and science coexisted and influenced one another.
The spiral motifs carved into the cross are believed to represent stylized grapevines — symbols associated in early Christianity with mystical union, spiritual abundance, and the Eucharist. The radiating forms extending outward from the central floral or solar motif suggest divine illumination and the expansion of sacred order into the cosmos.
The equal-armed structure also evokes ancient cosmological symbolism related to the four cardinal directions and intermediary points, concepts shared across Hermetic, Greco-Roman, and numerous mystical traditions.
IN’EI RAISAN — “In Praise of Shadows”
In this work, the ancient Coptic cross is paired with the Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept “In’ei Raisan” (陰翳礼讃), widely recognized through Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s exploration of shadow, subtlety, and traditional Japanese beauty.
The phrase may be translated as:
“In Praise of Shadows.”
Rather than celebrating brilliance, excess illumination, or overt display, the concept values ambiguity, stillness, texture, and the quiet depth revealed within darkness.
Within Japanese aesthetics, shadow is not understood as the absence of meaning, but as a space in which atmosphere, spirituality, and contemplation emerge.
Although separated geographically and theologically, both Coptic spirituality and Eastern philosophy contemplate:
• sacredness within silence and obscurity
• spiritual depth beyond visible surface
• contemplation through restraint
• the relationship between light, shadow, and transcendence
The original Coptic cross itself reflects this sensibility.
Its carved limestone surface, spiral vine motifs, and radiating geometry were not intended as purely decorative elements, but as symbolic structures whose meaning gradually unfolds through attention and contemplation.
The equal-armed geometry of the reconstructed cross further reinforces a sense of still equilibrium — a sacred form emerging quietly from shadow rather than asserting itself through dominance.
In early Christian symbolism, divine light was often understood not as harsh illumination, but as mystical revelation emerging from spiritual darkness.
Similarly, Japanese aesthetics have long regarded shadow as essential to beauty, depth, and emotional resonance.
By combining these symbolic traditions, the design becomes a meditation on subtlety — an exploration of how silence, darkness, and restraint can reveal spiritual presence more profoundly than spectacle.
A convergence of archaeology, sacred geometry, contemplative philosophy, and minimalist form.
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of 100% ring-spun cotton and is soft and comfy. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite!
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• All Heather colors are 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years
Other compliance information: Meets the flammability, lead, cadmium, phthalates and formaldehyde level requirements.
In compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), Oak inc. and SINDEN VENTURES LIMITED ensure that all consumer products offered are safe and meet EU standards. For any product safety related inquiries or concerns, please contact our EU representative at gpsr@sindenventures.com. You can also write to us at 123 Main Street, Anytown, Country or Markou Evgenikou 11, Mesa Geitonia, 4002, Limassol, Cyprus.