These beautiful illustrations are the works of Buddhist monk and artist, Gaku Nakagawa. He studied Buddhist art at a University and worked as a copywriter and art director before becoming a freelance illustrator. He is represented by British talent agency, Dutch Uncle, on which he wrote a short artist statement:

“I aim to instill my illustrations with a sense of class and nobility, occasionally with a touch of humour as well, which I see as part of my “aesthetic exercises” as a practising monk.”

You can see more of his work on his Japanese website and follow him on Facebook.

Images: Courtesy of Gaku Nakagawa.