Gorgeously displayed in an accordion-fold binding, this is a visual ode to the beauty of cherry blossoms–harbingers of spring–by legendary artists of Japanese woodblock printing. Cherry blossoms are beloved signs of spring renewal celebrated by garden clubs, botanic gardens, and popular festivals. This collection features over seventy works printed in a special format that allows for an unbroken, ever-scrolling display of these detailed, jewel-like artworks accompanied by an informative booklet in a handsome slipcase. The cherry tree, a traditional symbol of Japan, heralds spring with a spectacular display of subtle color variation spreading like a soft, fragrant cloud over the countryside giving rise to hanami ,the ancient cherry blossom festival chronicled by great artists from Hokusai and Hiroshige to Keibun, Bairei, and Hasui. This book showcases classic woodblock prints that highlight the intense yet ephemeral beauty of this unique floral moment–an occasion where family and friends gather in celebration to reflect upon the transience of all things and the fragility of existence. The fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom provides the occasion to contemplate and find wisdom in nature’s cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This collection is perfect for fans of Japanese art and culture as well as anyone who appreciates the beauty and lore of this beloved flowering tree–long treasured in Japan but now also synonymous with the US capital.
