$200–$2,000. Common flower prints: $200–$500. Key value factors: Rakuzan's botanical prints are beautifully produced and accessibly priced. Complete series sets are rare and more valuable.
A woodblock print celebrating spring, the season of renewal that has inspired some of the finest works in the [kacho-e](/glossary/kacho-e) tradition. Tsuchiya Rakuzan likely fills the [oban](/glossary/oban) format with cherry blossoms, plum branches, or wisteria paired with birds returning from their winter absence. Spring in Rakuzan's hands is not a generalized idea but a specific botanical moment, identifiable by the shape of petals, the angle of new growth, and the species of bird drawn to each flowering plant. The freshness of water-based pigments printed on [washi](/glossary/washi) paper suits the subject perfectly, the translucent layers of color echoing the lightness of spring air.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Spring was created by Tsuchiya Rakuzan (土屋楽山).
Spring depicts spring.
