Autumn 2

A woodblock print evoking the second wave of autumn's arrival, when the initial flush of turning leaves deepens into the full blaze of crimson and gold. Tsuchiya Rakuzan, known for kacho-e compositions that pair birds and insects with seasonal plants, likely depicts a subject drawn from the late-autumn garden, perhaps persimmons heavy on bare branches or chrysanthemums standing bold against cooling air. Rakuzan's prints in the oban format give generous space to these botanical and avian subjects, allowing the viewer to observe the fine veining of a leaf or the precise plumage of a bird at something close to life size.