Kanjo: A Court Lady 1790 - 1810

This woodblock print, made by Torii Kiyonaga, presents a court lady adorned in a kimono patterned with blossoms. The cherry blossom, or sakura, is a potent symbol in Japanese culture, embodying the ephemeral nature of beauty and life. The transience of the blossoms stir feelings of mono no aware – a poignant awareness of the impermanence of things. Think of Botticelli’s Primavera. The symbolism of the blossoms connects to the deep human emotions tied to mortality and renewal. The motif of flowers, which recurs throughout the history of art, is not just ornamental. Like the vanitas paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, it is a profound meditation on the passage of time. The image of falling petals or fading blooms—across cultures—engages viewers on a subconscious level. The sakura's significance has evolved, resurfacing in modern art and media as a poignant reminder of beauty's fleeting existence.