The Sakasasugi Cedar of Nikko, Japan, Meiji era (1868-1912)

Cedar, Shiobara – Sakasasugi Tree, Meiji Era

A thousand silent years breathe beneath these roots—an ancient cedar that humbles time itself.

Details

• Museum-grade fine art reproduction of an original hand-colored photograph from the Meiji period (1868–1912), Japan

• Depicts the legendary Sakasasugi cedar in Shiobara, estimated to be over 700 years old

• Three figures at the tree’s base emphasize the scale and sacred presence of the cedar

• Traditional thatched-roof structure adds historical and cultural depth to the composition

• Meticulous hand-coloring enhances the natural textures of bark, forest, and filtered light

• Perfect for collectors of Japanese landscape photography, nature lovers, and serene interiors

About the Artwork

This rare hand-colored photograph captures the awe-inspiring Sakasasugi cedar, nestled deep in the forests of Shiobara. Towering above its visitors, this ancient tree has witnessed centuries pass in silence, its roots anchoring it to the sacred soil of Japan’s spiritual heartland. Its bark, thick and grooved, bears the marks of time, while its immense canopy seems to whisper of forgotten eras.

At the base, a small group of visitors rests in quiet reverence, dwarfed by the living monument behind them. A nearby thatched-roof shrine evokes the sacred atmosphere that surrounds this revered natural giant. The delicate, hand-applied coloring brings warmth to the cedar’s massive trunk, soft greens to the surrounding forest, and subtle light to the scene, capturing not just a landscape but a feeling—of humility, reflection, and permanence.

This image is a portal to another time, a visual meditation on age, scale, and our connection to the natural world. A striking addition to any space that values peace, history, or elemental beauty.