Background
Tails of Mischief
Tails of Mischief is a limited-edition, full-bleed, art poker playing card deck that uses the canvas to tell a story. Inspired by Japanese ukiyoe wood-block printing, historical culture, and Buddhist and taoist philosophies, it tells the story of four mischiefs of mice that each approach nature from a different perspective.
Jack Brutus Penny
“こんにちは、my name is Jack and I am a nonsense writer and illustrator based in Japan. Thank you for taking the time to explore my latest art project, and window deeper into my whimsical world. This project is inspired by fantastical Japanese and English stories and art, and the Chinese philosophy of Taoism. It builds on my previous nominated and award winning projects Culturae Animalis, Sensu, and Nazo Nazo, as well as published books and other works, in both design approach and dedication to animal welfare causes. It is my pleasure to welcome you under the floorboards and into the scurrying forest bed, with the Tails of Mischief.”
You might know them from previous playing cards projects such as:
These are just some examples, find more at https://www.jackbrutuspenny.com/.
The offer
The offer consists of four different decks, each based on a principle of traditional japanese culture.
- The Whey of the Woods is rooted in “acceptance”
- The Whey of the House has its foundation in “order”
- The Whey of the Fields stems from “adaptation”
- The Whey of the Islands flows from “knowledge”
The Whey of the Woods
The Whey of the Woods is rooted in acceptance - that there is a natural flow and it is our own nature to scuttle and fall with it. The spirits of the forest guide their scouts, the flow of the whey pulls their hunters’ bow-strings.
The wood mice dance with the winds of autumn. Buried deep within the forest Burrow, an underground labyrinthian village, pups and elders nestle away stockpiles of acorns - assuming the Jays don’t pinch them first.
The Whey of the House
The Whey of the House has its foundation in order. The house mice, living beneath the floorboards of the Nazo Nazo guest house and dreaded Nenya cats, need structure for the safety of all, and the command of nature itself.
The house mice huddle up in winter. Their infrastructures and commerce working like clockwork. Huge maruda dolls celebrate the coming of new years and opportunities for improvement. (Story heavily inspired by a whimsical interpretation of Japanese culture, such as Daruma dolls).
The Whey of the Fields
The Whey of the Fields stems from adaptation. The field mice understand, live together with and shape the fields. They grow cotton bolls to dye clothes and pad roofing, and clovers for tiling, but only when the season permits.
The field mice thrive in spring, as flowers bloom. Cherry petals litter the turned soil, and the field mice celebrate the doll festival and butsuse with ogre masks and throwing beans.
The Whey of the Islands
The Whey of the Islands flows from knowledge. The Ryukyu mice have travelled further than any other, merchants and sailors all, and know that there is a natural ebb and flow to both nature and order.
The Ryukyu mice, from the Ryukyu islands, set sail in summer. Flags and kites of flying fish thrash in the winds as they make land and their caravans parade the less-trodden trails. Their turquoise body-paint is brushed across the hills.
For more images check our gallery.
Pricing
| Option | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| The Whey of the Woods | 2 800 |
| The Whey of the House | 2 800 |
| The Whey of the Fields | 2 800 |
| The Whey of the Islands | 2 800 |
| The Tails of Mishief set | 10 000 |
| The Nest Box (full set in a unique wooden (Japanese Oribako) box) | 16 000 |
| The Tails of Mishief brick | 25 000 |
