Hiroshi Senju's Art of Harmony with Hibiki Whisky
The artist celebrated for his waterfall series that merge traditional Nihonga painting with abstraction.
For Hiroshi Senju, whisky has always carried a sense of intimacy and memory. The Tokyo-born painter, celebrated for his waterfall series that merge traditional Nihonga painting with contemporary abstraction, recalls watching his father enjoy rare Scotch whiskies when he was young. Those quiet moments shaped his early understanding of craftsmanship and ritual. Years later, that same reverence led him toward Japanese whisky, particularly the refined blends of Suntory’s Hibiki.
That connection now comes full circle through a collaboration between Senju and Suntory Whisky on two ultra-limited Hibiki editions: the 21 Years Old and 30 Years Old. The partnership honors Hibiki’s pursuit of artistry rooted in nature, reimagining the relationship between whisky, art, and the natural world. “This project connects my own evolution from Scotch to Japanese whisky with my work as an artist seeking to express balance and emotion,” he told us.
The collaboration centers on “Waterfall on Colours ‘Hibiki’,” a monumental painting rendered in ten shades of purple inspired by the Kokimurasaki gradient that symbolizes Hibiki. “In Japan and China, purple has many variations, each named after plants and carrying its own meaning,” Senju explained. “For me, purple means acceptance. It represents imperfection, something that cannot be perfected.” His technique, which relies on natural pigments and flowing water, mirrors the organic harmony found in both his paintings and Hibiki’s blending philosophy.
Unveiled at a private dinner in Brooklyn, the artwork now appears across the presentation box and label of Hibiki 21 and is reinterpreted in crystal for the 30 Years Old edition. The collaboration underscores a shared reverence for craftsmanship and the balance between tradition and innovation. “Just as the waterfall in my paintings captures the range of human experience—our desires, struggles and quiet moments and just as Hibiki balances many distinct notes, I hope this work invites reflection on the beauty found in imperfection,” Senju said.
DISCLAIMER: We discourage irresponsible and/or underage drinking. Drink responsibly and legally.
