Cherry Blossoms at the Shirakawa Castle Ruins (Shirakawajoshi no sakura)
Shirakawajoshi no sakura
by Kawase Hasui
- Date:
- 1946
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 36.3 × 24.6 cm
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Art Institute of Chicago
Description
Cherry Blossoms at the Shirakawa Castle Ruins, published in 1946, depicts the earthwork and stone remnants of Shirakawa Castle in Fukushima Prefecture — a castle demolished in the early Meiji period — transformed in spring by the flowering cherry trees planted among its ruins. The castle ruins as cherry blossom viewing site is a characteristically Japanese aesthetic: the overlay of ephemeral beauty on the ruins of former power, the sakura's brief perfection contrasting with the permanence of stone and earth. The 1946 publication date — the first year of postwar civilian life — gives this celebration of spring renewal an added poignancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cherry Blossoms at the Shirakawa Castle Ruins (Shirakawajoshi no sakura) (Shirakawajoshi no sakura) was created by Kawase Hasui (川瀬巴水) in 1946.
Cherry Blossoms at the Shirakawa Castle Ruins (Shirakawajoshi no sakura) uses Moku-hanga, Nishiki-e, and Bokashi, on color woodblock print.
Cherry Blossoms at the Shirakawa Castle Ruins (Shirakawajoshi no sakura) was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1946).
Cherry Blossoms at the Shirakawa Castle Ruins (Shirakawajoshi no sakura) depicts castles and cherry blossoms, set at Shirakawa.
Cherry Blossoms at the Shirakawa Castle Ruins (Shirakawajoshi no sakura) measures 36.3 × 24.6 cm (Oban format).