Japanese Shoji Screens :: Japanese Cherry Blossom (Black Finish)

All things have a story...

Of all the flowers known to man, perhaps the one that is most popular and beautiful is the cherry blossom. In Japan and China, the cherry tree is extremely popular and is a staple theme of their artwork. The Japanese flowering cherry tree is known as “sakura” in English and over 200 types can be found in Japan alone. Perhaps this is because during the Heian Period (795-1191) in Japan, the nobility of that country decided to copy certain practices from China, one of them being flower viewing. In this event, the entire imperial palace and its staff would celebrate under cherry blossom trees.

From as early as 794, a large number of cherry trees with blossoms were being planted in Japan. The Japanese were awed by their beauty and believed them to improve the look of their gardens and grounds. Up until that time, the ume or plum tree was the most highly regarded tree, as it was in China, but in the following centuries the sakura became the favored species in Japan. It has become tradition in Japan to flower view during spring and the approach of warmer weather. At this time, the blooming of the sakuras begins in Okinawa and makes its way to Tokyo and Kyoto. The Japanese flock to temples, shrines and parks to witness the blooming of the cherry blossom trees.

Joyful parties are held under the trees called “hanami” festivals. Here the Japanese celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms and get a chance to peacefully look on at the sakuras, which is very therapeutic for relaxation. The hanami festivals are a tradition that extends back centuries in Japan. Today, most public buildings and schools have sakura cherry blossom trees around them. The majority of cherry blossoms in Japan bloom in the month of April and they are often viewed as symbols of love and affection by the Japanese people.