Exploring by Flower
Seasonal Bird-and-Flower Ukiyo-e
The cherry blossoms of spring, the dazzling greenery of summer, the autumn leaves of fall, and the mysterious atmosphere of snow-covered winter.
The various facets of nature that we can enjoy throughout the year is one of the great charms of the island nation of Japan. The beautiful scenery created by the four seasons of this country has enriched people's hearts since ancient times and has been depicted in Japanese poems and paintings.
Ukiyo-e artists of the Edo period also captured seasonal scenes with flowers, birds, and insects.
Why not feel the changing seasons in your daily life with ukiyo-e flower and bird designs (kacho-ga) depicting seasonal flowers?
Display and Enjoyment
Early Summer
In early summer, when the fresh greenery is dazzling, flowers such as wisteria, irises, roses and poppies are so brightly colored that you will not miss the passing spring. Many of the flower and bird designs of early summer are based on the bright, clear blue that is typical of ukiyo-e, and perfectly express the refreshing breeze of this season.
Summer
This is a season when you can enjoy the changing scenery, such as hydrangeas glistening in the rain and dew that can only be seen during the rainy season, and morning glories that add color to the full-fledged summer season. Ukiyo-e of this season depict not only seasonal flowers but also migratory birds such as siskins and meadow buntings and seasonals birds such as kingfishers.
Autumn
With fields of Japanese silver grass, large chrysanthemums shining in the sunlight, and mountains with autumn leaves turning bright red in the setting sun, Japan's autumn scenery is full of lyricism. In Ukiyo-e, there are many masterpieces that depict not only autumn flowers, but also the moon together with flowers and birds, which is a typical autumn scene.
Winter
Even in the quiet winter, we can feel the breath of life beneath the snow and ground preparing for the coming spring. In ukiyo-e, bamboo grass and camellias are depicted along with familiar winter birds. The whiteness of the snow is often expressed through the surface of the Japanese paper itself, creating a beautiful contrast with the color of camellias and other flowers.
Early Spring
In early spring, when the days are still chilly, the flowers that bloom seem to brighten our hearts with anticipation for the coming spring. In ukiyo-e prints, we can see the blooming of plum blossoms, which have been loved since ancient times for their sweet fragrance, and peaches, which are said to ward off evil spirits.
Spring
Spring is the most gorgeous season of the year, with brightly colored flowers such as cherry blossoms, peonies, and wildflowers. Ukiyo-e artists depicted spring flowers with bullfinches pecking at cherry blossom buds and swallows that fly in with the arrival of spring.
