Dahlias

This woodblock print presents dahlias in full bloom, their densely layered petals radiating outward in concentric rings. Created in July 1929 with ink and color on paper, the work captures these garden flowers at their summer peak. Dahlias, introduced to Japan from Mexico in the early nineteenth century, became a popular subject for kacho-e artists because their complex petal structures offer a compelling test of the woodblock carver's skill. Each petal curves and overlaps its neighbor, creating shadows and highlights that must be carved and printed with exacting precision. Taisui isolated the flower heads against a minimal background, directing attention to the blossoms' geometry. The July 1929 date places this print among a concentrated burst of botanical subjects Taisui produced that summer, a prolific period during which he also created prints of hydrangeas and peonies.