The Beauty of Sakura

This painting from the Edo period shows the cherry blossom tree blooming using gold, ink, and tint on paper. The emphasis of this piece is the big cherry blossom tree and its flowers. It shows movement as your eyes follow the branches and then flowers stemming off of them. There is movement in the hills as well.

In this painting, also from the Edo period, two Geishas are shown viewing the cherry blossoms near Mimeguri Shrine which can be seen in the background. The colors are muted and soft but still eye-catching. Encasing the painting is a patterned silk which compliments the art. The simple shading seen on the trunk of the cherry blossom tree creates depth and texture giving the tree a somewhat realistic look.

Mukōjima is a flower garden in Japan. In this painting are bloomed cherry blossoms, a few Geishas, and some men. The blossoms look almost pure white against the blue sky and a mountain is shown in the background. There is a sense of balance by the the objects in the photo, though it is asymmetrical. The soft strokes and shading give off a pleasant and happy mood.

This piece is a depiction of Mt. Yoshino printed on a woodblock. Mt. Yoshino is famous mountain in Japan that is covered with cherry blossoms. Also shown are two hikers trekking up the up mountain side. The lines of the rock edges vary in width making them look jagged and rough.

In this piece the cherry blossom is not the main focus; the Geisha is. It shows her bracing herself against a cherry blossom tree due to a gust of wind, which surrounds her with a cloud of petals. More vivid colors are used for her kimono which is great contrast against the more pastel shades. Movement is shown by the billowing in her kimono, scarf, and also by the rogue strands of hair that have escaped the rest.

This painting shows a Geisha relaxing underneath a cherry blossom tree that is in full bloom. Slightly visible is her tea set behind her and a napkin in her hand. The cherry blossom here has a bit more variety in color versus the ones shown before. The yellow flowers stand out against the grey and dark green pattern of her kimono. Her face is relaxed and serene. The lines in her hair create hundreds of individual strands giving it volume.

Princess Konohanasakuya is an ancient Japanese goddess known for easy childbirth and blooming spring flowers; such as the cherry blossom. She is shown in a white dress with a calm look on her face. In her hair are grape leaves which symbolizes fertility. The soft pink blossoms against the light and dark blue in the tree trunk shows contrast, as does her black hair against the white of the dress. The texture in the trees are created with highlights, shadows, and lines.

In this painting there is one lone cherry blossom tree; it’s striking against its dull background. A water spout is seen, as well as field of produce underneath it spreading across the hill. Two farmers have their umbrellas to protect against the light drizzle as they work. The proportions used give a real sense of how vast the trees are and how big the water spout really is.

This is one of the many cherry blossoms at the Daigo-ji Temple. It’s in full bloom and brightly colored. The wall behind shows repetition in the the pattern of the rocks on the bottom and top edges. The painting fills the entire canvas; leaving no empty space is almost perfectly balanced.

This painting is more modern as it was created in 2012 but comparing it to similar Japanese art it still shows a traditional painting style for that culture. There is a grand cherry blossom tree, the focal point, centered on the canvas accompanied by the full moon. The moon is bright yellow against a dark blue sky which creates an almost ominous feeling. The cherry blossoms are shaped a bit like stars and show repetition by looking almost identical.