Cherry Blossoms

This third Cherry Blossoms print in Kotozuka's catalog represents another compositional or coloristic variation within his [sakura](/glossary/sakura) series, a practice common among Kyoto self-publishers who produced themed groups for the tourist and gift markets. Variation between editions often involved shifts in the background tone — from pale grey to deep indigo night — or in the framing of branches, ranging from close botanical detail to broader landscape arrangements. The print's title alone does not distinguish it from related works in the series, but the sequential numbering implies collectors and dealers recognized distinct compositions. Kotozuka's control over his own studio meant he could adjust printing variables between editions, producing subtle differences in the warmth of pink tones or the sharpness of branch silhouettes.