Cherry Blossom Art: 20 Must-See Japanese Masterpieces

by Jes Kalled | ART

© Tokuriki Tomikichiro, Lake Kawaguchi, 1950s

The reverence for sakura in Japan runs deep. Cherry blossoms bloom fleetingly in spring, eventually falling from the tree’s branches, and are replaced with the green leaves of summer. To see the cherry blossoms in bloom is to experience a moment that is temporary. Mono no aware, which means “the pathos of things,” is a Japanese phrase that attempts to encapsulate the nature of this kind of impermanence—of things that don’t stay forever. Sakura, or cherry blossoms, is the symbol of this phenomenon. In celebration of spring, sakura, and the brevity of such a season, we’ve curated a selection of cherry blossom paintings and other Japanese arts and crafts that commemorate just that.

1. Geisha and Cherry Tree at Ueno Park

Geisha and Cherry Tree at Ueno Park by Tsuchiya Koitsu, 1939

As part of the renowned Shin-hanga movement, artist Tsuchiya Koitsu, helped to revive and sustain the practice of ukiyo-e during the early 20th century. This particular woodblock print was made in 1939, depicting a geisha in Ueno park beneath a sakura (cherry blossom) tree, with a pagoda not far in the distance. Ueno park is still a popular place for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) today. Though the painting was made in 1939, the woodblock was not printed until after World War II in 1948.

2. Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom at Arashiyama

Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom at Arashiyama by Utagawa Hiroshige, 1834

This woodblock print made in 1834 is just one of the Famous Places of Kyoto series made by Utagawa Hiroshige. Notable in this artwork is the presence of the Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom, meaning that much joy can be obtained from this peak moment when the flowers are at their best. To emphasize this, Utagawa has drawn people walking down the path, admiring the spring scene and its flowers. Interestingly, also captured here is a boat on a river, paddling, in flow, and ever-moving, perhaps just as symbolically tied to truth that this moment of full bloom will soon pass by.

3. Incense Box

Incense Box by Kageyama Dogyoku, 18th Century

Functional and decorative, this incense box by Kageyama Dogyoku is yet another celebration of the spring season with its delicate gold presentation of the cherry blossom. Designed in the late 18th century, the box was likely used for the storing of incense. The design travels from surface to surface along the 3D object, as if to add layers to an already beautiful scene. Learn more about Choosing the Best Japanese Incense.

4. Miki Katoh

In the tradition of bijinga, or paintings of beautiful women, Miki Katoh’s work presents her modern subjects in exquisitely detailed and refined kimono.

Here the dazzling white sakura frame the composition, as petals fall like rain from above. Katoh often uses scenery from historic or mythical Japan to locate her work in an evocative cultural context. In the background of this painting, Amezakura, a vintage car is parked in front of the Kabukiza Theater in Ginza, creating a nostalgic image of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season.

5. Reiji Hiramatsu

© Reiji Hiramatsu, Prayer of Japan (Cherry Blossoms), 2012

Reiji Hiramatsu’s impressionistic paintings often use simple natural motifs such as mountains, trees, and flowers, to describe an affectionate view of Japan and its beautiful natural environment. His style can be likened to the Rinpa school, which emerged in the 17th century, although Hiramatsu’s warm pastel colors are thoroughly modern.

The thick cherry blossoms in this painting, Prayer of Japan (Cherry Blossoms), glow under the moonlight, highlighting the sense of the sacred associated with this spring flower.

This sublime cherry blossom art can be seen at the Yugawara Art Museum in Kanagawa.

6. Tokuriki Tomikichiro

Mount Fuji through the cherry blossoms is one of Japan’s most popular views!

Artist Tokuriki Tomikichiro came from a family line of artists stretching back at least five hundred years. He is well known today for his prints in the shin hanga (new print) style, which was a 20th century movement to revitalize the woodblock print using western techniques, but retaining traditional subjects and production methods.

However, Tokuriki’s passion lay with the sosaku hanga (creative prints) movement, which grew up around the same time. Sosaku artists were freer in their choice of subject and modes of self-expression. In this print for example, Tokuriki strips out all the extraneous detail, leaving only the exuberant pink blossoms against the magnificence of Mount Fuji’s snow-laden peak.

7. Washington Monument (Potomac Riverbank) by Kawase Hasui

Washington Monument (Potomac Riverbank) by Kawase Hasui, 1935

Japan is not the only place to enjoy the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms. This woodblock painting by Kawase Hasui was made to commemorate the first Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. in 1935. The famous Shin-hanga painter, Kawase Hasui, illustrated the 3,000 plus Cherry Trees planted in West Potomac Park. The trees themselves were planted by Viscountess Chinda, who was the wife of the Japanese ambassador to the U.S., and the then First Lady, Helen Herron Taft in 1912. Hasui was later named a living national treasure by the Japanese Government.

8. Flowers (Image of Evening)

Flowers (Image of Evening) by Funada Gyokuju, 1938

Hana no Yube or Flowers (Image of Evening) was made in 1938 by Funada Gyokuju. The power of this large folding screen painting is in the scale of the cherry blossom tree. Though it is best when seen in person, a photo can capture the bright colors Funada used to paint it. It’s said that the artist likely imported a dye from Germany to create the vibrant pink and reddish colors. If one looks closely enough, it’s possible to see the soft picture of a moon hiding beneath the petals.

9. Vase with a Blossoming Cherry Tree

Vase with a Blossoming Cherry Tree by Namikawa Yasuyuki, 1896

This technique used to create this vase is known as cloisonné – an enamel work, or, a metal object decorated with metal wires and materials. It was a popular craft technique of the Meiji era, and became very highly sort after by foreign collectors. This vase, with its careful gradation of cherry blossoms, was made by artist Namikawa Yasuyuki, a notable craftsman who was eventually appointed Imperial Household Artist to Emperor Meiji in 1896.

10. Kitagawa Utamaro

Cherry Blossom Viewing, Scroll Painting by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1793

When the cherry trees bloom, people in Japan seize the opportunity to gather together under the blossoms to enjoy the view, and a glass or two!

Flower viewing parties, hanami, is a celebration that dates back at least a thousand years. This cherry blossom scroll painting from renowned wood block artist Kitagawa Utamaro shows that the tradition was going strong in 1793 when he portrayed these courtly ladies enjoying the flowers, the music and the company.

To find out more about the history of Japanese art, visit our Ultimate Guide!

11. Kaho Hyakkan

© Toshio Hyakkan, Cherry Blossom Kimono by Kaho Hyakkan

The glorious pink cherry blossoms take center stage in this seasonal composition while the other flowers, beautiful as they, can only look on in envy from the edges, waiting their turn. It takes a special skill to bring the changing seasons to life so vividly.

The Kaga Yuzen style of kimono decoration specializes in finely detailed and vibrant scenes of flowers and nature. Using a palette of just five colors artists such as Kaho Hyakkan paint intricate natural designs onto the white kimono cloth, before sealing the patterns with rice paste, and dyeing the background material. You can find out more by visiting the Kaga Yuzen Kimono Center in Kanazawa.

12. Shibayama Tsuba

This piece is a rare find from the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). The artform called Shibayama (widely popular across Europe at the time) is a craft technique that inlays its design into lacquer, wood, or or ivory using an array of materials such as shells, ivory, and beyond. Seen here in this piece are various types of flowers, including none other than the cherry blossom itself. The materials used to make this tsuba (an elaborate Japanese sword guard) were enamel, silver and mother of pearl. Find out more about the Japanese military art in Samurai Armor: 6 Essential Parts & Uses.

13. Sakura Wagashi

© Lisa Lemony’s Kitchen, How to Make Wagashi

“What is wagashi?” you might ask. Wagashi is a traditional Japanese confectionery sweet that is typically paired with a cup of green tea. The general term wagashi can be applied to many different types of delicious snacks from Japan. However, sakura wagashi is a special treat enjoyed during the spring season. The dessert is made from bean-paste and rice-flour and shaped into cherry blossoms to commemorate the beginning of spring. As you may know, cherry blossoms are celebrated and cherished during this time of year–for their beauty, of course, but also for their impermanence. In the same light, sakura wagashi is a dessert that comes and goes, capturing the moment, then disappearing just as quickly as the flowers they imitate.

14. Bakufu Ono

© Bakufu Ono, Turtle Dove and Cherry, 1950

In this cherry blossom print by Bakufu Ono, a multi-hued turtle dove perches serenely in the branches, while white sakura blossoms and unopened buds bristle around it.

Bakufu Ono (1888-1976) was an artist and print-maker whose popular woodcuts document the animals and flowers of Japan. The memorable details of his subjects are emphasized through conspicuous colors and closely observed shading, in the process creating instantly recognizable natural motifs.

While ukiyo-e prints are an ideal medium for cherry blossom art, sakura are not the only flowers to receive this treatment. Check out these Japanese Floral Prints for more images of Japanese nature.

15. Insho Domoto

© Insho Domoto, Konohana Sakuya Hime, 1929

Konohana Sakuya Hime, or the Cherry Blossom Princess, is a deity revered in Japanese mythology as the spirit of the sacred Mount Fuji, and the goddess of the cherry blossoms.

In this dream-like painting on silk by Insho Domoto (1892-1975), the princess reclines on a spring meadow with wild flowers at her feet, and sakura tree branches heavy with flowers bowing down to greet her. Entwined in her hair are grape vines, symbols of seasonal fertility.

During Domoto’s long career he became well known for his religious art, and was often commissioned to paint murals and screens in Buddhist temples, and even Christian churches, around Japan. In this piece the warmth of feeling Domoto portrays suggests a personal connection to the cherry blossom kami.

The Sakuya Hime and other great works by this artist can be seen at the Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts in Kyoto.

16. Kenichi Okubo

The simplicity of the two-tone pink base color on this elegant silk kimono allows the snow white cherry blossoms to shine with reflected light.

Working with clothing affords an artist modes of expression that are not available on a flat surface. Kenichi Okubo expertly employs the curved spaces of this garment to lend depth to this three-dimensional painting of a flowering cherry tree.

You can see more of Okubo’s works and other incredible kimono at the Kaga Yuzen Kimono Center.

17. Kikugawa Eizan

Somegawa of the Matsubaya, Woodblock Print by Kikugawa Eizan, 1814-17, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Kikugawa Eizan’s focus is on the glorious outfit of the courtesan Somegawa, and he recreates the vibrant patterns and exaggerated shapes in this woodblock print with a great eye for detail. The cherry blossoms the border the top of the print are afforded no such attention; in fact they are included less as a living flower than as a symbolic motif. But what do they mean?

Cherry blossoms in ukiyo-e prints were often a shorthand for the beauty of the Edo courtesans: considered radiant in full-bloom, but sadly short-lived.

18. Meiji Hashimoto

This exceptional nihonga artwork by Meiji Hashimoto, entitled Sakura, can be seen in the State Hall of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. A cherry blossom painting that thoroughly embodies the spirit of Japan!

It was in the early 1970s that Hashimoto was tasked with painting one of the two sliding cedar doors in the eastern passageway of the Palace’s Seiden Hall. The painting features elaborate use of gold, and the flowers are in glorious full bloom, which reflects the ceremonial nature of the hall.

He based the painting on his sketches of the Mihara Takizakura, an iconic thousand-year old cherry tree in Tamura, Fukushima.

19. Shinsui Ito

With the warm yellow background in this emotive cherry blossom print, it almost looks like a sunny day. But the eponymous spring rain is masterfully recreated in different shades of reflective color on the subject’s umbrella as she huddles beneath the sakura tree.

Shinsui Ito (1898-1972) was one of Japan’s most celebrated modern print-makers. He was particularly well-know for his modern incarnations of the bijinga print, or pictures of beautiful women.

20. Taikan Yokoyama

Cherry Blossoms are not just beloved for their beauty, but for their ephemerality. Every year, they burst forth in lustrous color from the bare winter branches, then days later, just as suddenly they are gone. The feelings of wonder tinged with sadness that they elicit have allowed them to represent much deeper feelings about the passage of time itself.

Taikan Yokoyama’s heartfelt nihonga-style cherry blossom art illustrates just a handful of remaining flowers clinging to the branches of an old cherry tree against the light of the setting sun.

You can see this painting at the Yamatane Museum of Art. To learn more about the Nihonga style, take a look at our Concise Guide.