Cherry Blossoms

Description:

Every year, thousands gather at the Tidal Basin to view the cherry blossoms. Japan gave the trees to Washington, DC, as a symbol of friendship between nations, and the delicate pink and white blossoms announce spring each year. This keepsake book features images of cherry blossoms in the Freer and Sackler collections. The flowers feature prominently in Japanese art; magnificent renderings by masters—including Hiroshige and Hokusai—show serene blossoms among tall evergreens, as the focus of national celebrations, or as surreal showers of petals. Cherry Blossoms is richly illustrated with grand screens, woodblock prints, and works in ink on silk. The text by James T. Ulak, senior curator of Japanese art, and Howard S. Kaplan, museum writer, demonstrates the flower’s deep-rooted symbolism and timeless appeal.

Celebrating Cherry Blossoms