Japanese Prints

Henry Sotheran Limited 73
Cherry Blossom
The pride of Japan; the coronation of spring breaks out into pink
clouds of blossoms that gradually spread over the land in early April.
Stemming from ancient Shinto beliefs, cherry blossoms have been
historically revered by the Japanese. cherry blossom or “sakura” is
generally believed to be a corruption of the word “sakuya”
(blooming) from the name of a mythical princess who is enshrined
on the top of Mt fuji. Her name literally means “tree-flowersblooming-princess”,
because she dropped from heaven onto a cherry
tree. Ever since its close connection with Shinto, the cherry blossom
has been considered the most spiritually pure of flowers. They
transform the country into a fairyland which has given Japan its
floral name of “The Land of the cherry-Blossom”. As symbols of
the beauty and purity of life and of how quickly it fades away, they
remind us all to live and enjoy life to the full.
Chrysanthemum
Is one of the four noble flowers (the others being the plum blossom,
the orchid, and bamboo). The flower of autumn meditation and
fullness, it symbolizes not only a long life but also a complete and
content one. Since it blooms after summer, it is associated with
aspects of autumn such as relaxation after the harvest season and
periods of quiet contemplation. It can also symbolise sanctuary and
refuge. The chrysanthemum’s link to longevity draws from its
physical appearance. circular and symmetric with centric rays, it is
a solar symbol associated with life, longevity and Japan itself. As a
symbol of the nation, the emperor of Japan adopted it as his crest
and it is depicted on the Imperial Seal.
Cockerel
A symbol of potency and power because of its propensity for
fighting.
Crane
One of the three major mystical animals, together with the dragon
and the tortoise. Its chief symbolic meaning is long life. With their
lifespan of some thirty years, cranes were thought to live not just
decades but thousands of years, becoming virtually synonymous
with immortality. At Japanese weddings it is a symbol of loyalty.
Also associated with the qualities of honour and wisdom, cranes
were believed to be intermediaries between heaven and earth, a
messenger of the gods to humans, thus symbolising the spiritual
ability to enter a higher state of consciousness. furthermore, the
crane also represents a lasting soaring spirit, health, and happiness.
Their white bodies stand for purity and their red heads denote
vitality.
Crow
The crow represents filial devotion and is also associated with
chinese astrological and cosmic philosophy. It is said that a threelegged
crow (yatagarasu) lives in the sun. In Japanese art crows are
therefore depicted with the sun as a background. A white heron and
a black crow are symbolic of day and night.
Daffodil (Narcissus)
represents respect and hospitality.
Dahlia
represents dignity and elegance.
Dove
Although the dove is a messenger of the God of war (Hachiman), it
is also considered a symbol of peace as in the west. As messengers
of Hachiman they were sent out primarily to avert conflict.
Dragon
As symbols of wisdom, strength, goodness and longevity, an
impressive representation of a dragon can be of tremendous positive
benefit to the owner. first in the hierarchy of mythical creatures in
Japan, the dragon was one of the four animals symbolising the
cardinal points associated with the east; the dragon stood for sunrise,
spring and fertility. dragons were benevolent spirits associated with
happiness and prosperity, and unlike European dragons, were kind
to humans.
Duck
An auspicious symbol in Japanese literature and poetry, an image
of a duck endows prints with an aura of good luck. They primarily
represent happiness in marriage and fidelity.
Falcon
A symbol of regal power, as it became a favourite pastime of the
aristocracy and samurai to hunt with falcons. It is also a symbol of
keen endeavour and success, as well as boldness.
Fans
The fan stands for many things. The Japanese believe that the handle
of the fan symbolises the beginning of life and the ribs are for the
roads of life going out in all directions. It also symbolises friendship,
respect and good wishes and is a gift that is given to people on
special occasions.