Peony

This [kacho-e](/glossary/kacho-e) depicts peony blooms, a subject with deep roots in both Chinese and Japanese decorative arts. Peonies (botan) carry associations with prosperity and the pleasures of late spring. In woodblock prints, the layered petals of a peony provide an opportunity to demonstrate [bokashi](/glossary/bokashi) gradation, moving from deep saturated tones at the petal bases to pale washes at the edges. Nishimura's rendering likely employs multiple blocks to build up the volume of the blooms, with a separate keyblock defining the precise curl and overlap of individual petals. The composition may include large leaves printed with a single flat tone or with subtle vein detail, creating a counterpoint of bold form against the more elaborate floral passages. [Washi](/glossary/washi) paper, with its absorbent surface, allows the pigment to bloom slightly at the edges, softening transitions between tones.