Bamboo brushes and scarlet ink

Whilst in Tokyo this time, I visited this charming art shop.

Rather like a Japanese version of one my favourite English art shops, Cornelliesen, it was packed full of inlaid lacquer ink sets, rice paper, handmade E-bake paint brushes, porcelain red ink for seals, and jars and jars of pigment.

Tokyo Night Aquarium

The Night Aquarium in Tokyo was a surprisingly spectacular sight. This huge array of tanks containing goldfish changed colour with the lights.

A large area that looked rather more like a club or fairground with laser beams, drinking spots and dating couples 

But above all it was this installation reflecting the seasons in Japan (sorry I didn't record Spring), combining film and aquariums that impressed me most of all. 

Wild and free

At the weekend I went to the New Forest, an ancient area of forest on the south coast of England. It is always an inspiration. Autumn there is especially lovely, and I love to go down there and paint.

Above all seeing the wild ponies running free is a wonderful sight.

This sweet one came to say hello and followed us for some time.

Inspired by riding and ballet, we have also created this bespoke girl's crest print. If you would like to find out more information about this, and prices, please email us at info@anzu.co.uk

Autumn

Landing in London, it appeared I had not only travelled across countries, but back in time too. Men in bowler hats and tweed jackets, ladies in Edwardian riding jackets, and vintage vehicles lined the streets. But sadly I had not landed in 1912, it was just the filming of the new Mr. Selfridge.

By contrast to hot and humid Tokyo, there was a chilly nip to the air. Autumn had arrived. Baskets of cob nuts, squashes, and cabbage were on sale.

And as it began to rain, it was definitely time for a cosy cocktail or two at Happiness Forgets, Hoxton Square.

Anzu at Mitsukoshi

Thank you to everyone that came to Mitsukoshi. It was an amazing week. With lovely people, many kindnesses, and some rather delicious dinners too!

Anzu exhibition in Mitsukoshi, 3rd -9th September

Bunk beds, treehouses, and maps

Don't you just love how when kids like something, they REALLY like it. There is no half-heartedness there, and I love how this comes across in their rooms. If they have a map, it will be a VERY big map,

Every possession is treasured and if they love books, it won't just be any bookshelf it'll be one with little tree animals on it (below Anzu fairytales card).

Their hobbies are immediately obvious the minute you enter the room.

And there is always a sense of adventure about them.

I think Wes Anderson perfectly captures this in his films particularly the Royal Tenenbaums. And in his films, it's not just the kid's rooms that go overboard on the hobbies!

Peckish

Every day around 4 o'clock we get very peckish in the Anzu studio and have to have a tea break.

Sometimes we even have visitors.

It even crops up on our cards.

Would love to have this Regency caddy for such occasions.

Or these Louis Vuitton trunks, especially created for afternoon tea.

 And this fun teacup by Esther Horchner.

House of Hackney, Shoreditch

The new House of Hackney shop that has opened on Shoreditch High street is truly sumptuous. This wallpaper looks beautiful in the bathroom with the gold fittings. I'm also all for bringing back gold fittings in bathrooms.

 Their Palmeral print is one of my favourites and it is also available as a bikini!

See more here

Busy, busy...

Sorry, it's been rather quiet on the blog recently. We have been very busy at Anzu, and I have been very busy painting the new season's collections. Starting above,

and finished on the first bit!

Piles of palettes, and copious cups of tea.. See more Anzu studio life over at Instagram, user name anzugifts

Lush and green...

Some refreshing images for a hot day..