Cherry Blossom Viewing at Mimeguri, 19th Century

Mimeguri no hanami. Cherry blossom viewing in Mimeguri. Print shows three women with a male attendant carrying a parasol, and a child walking along riverbank among cherry trees. A cherry blossom (commonly known in Japan as sakura) is the flower of any of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese cherry, Prunus serrulata. In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize clouds due to their nature of blooming en masse, besides being an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life, an aspect of Japanese cultural tradition that is often associated with Buddhist influence, and which is embodied in the concept of mono no aware. The association of the cherry blossom with mono no aware dates back to 18th century scholar Motoori Norinaga. The transience of the blossoms, the exquisite beauty and volatility, has often been associated with mortality and graceful and readily acceptance of destiny and karma; for this reason, cherry blossoms are richly symbolic, and have been utilized often in Japanese art, manga, anime, and film. Along with the chrysanthemum, the cherry blossom is considered the national flower of Japan. Katsukawa Shunsen, circa 1805-1821

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Attendant Aware Chambermaid Cherry Destiny Exquisite Housemaid Impermanence Karma Katsukawa Maidservant Mono Mortality Prunus Riverbank Sakura Serrulata Sumida Symbolical Symbolism Transience Ukiyo-e Volatility Wabi-sabi Woodblock

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