Japanese Woodblock Print, 1954, this later printing published by Unsodo from the original woodblocks

SIZE IN INCHES: oban, 10.5. x 15.5 inches

COMMENTS:The beauty of the peony flower has long inspired artists in both the eastern and western parts of the world. Prior to the seventeenth century however it was the artists of China and Japan who incorporated images of the peony into their work. The peony is practically the national flower of China and is often referred to in poetry and literature. Peonies are one of the main motifs of Chinese decorative arts and can be found on porcelains, in woodblock and screen paintings as well as embroidered onto tapestries and clothing. Both tree peonies and herbaceous peonies were introduced into Japan at the beginning of the eighth century. The Japanese quickly began incorporating images of the peony into their paintings, porcelains and tapestries. The peony was also the subject of many poems and frequently figured in Japanese literature. Today the peony is still a very popular theme in Japanese art.

However, the original use of peonies by people was for their medicinal value. There is evidence that peonies were used extensively in both the Far East and Europe as long as two thousand years ago. Many parts of the plant are purported to have medicinal properties. Roots, bark, seeds and flowers were all believed to be of medicinal use for the curing of everything from bad dreams to the control of epileptic seizures.

SHODO KAWARAZAKI (1889-1973) is best known for his woodblock prints of flowers and other plant life. Born in Kyoto, Shodo studied the art of yuzen dyeing, a traditional art craft in Kyoto, under the guidance of Yamamoto Sekkei. He also studied Japanese painting under Shibahara, though it was his teacher Kishyo who helped cultivate Shodo's original style of expression. His woodblock prints were published by Unsodo in the mid 1950's.

Fine, no flaws