The Graceful Cherry Blossom Dance, Japan, Meiji era (1868-1913)

The Cherry Blossom Dance – Sakura Odori, Meiji Era

Details

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

• Features six kimono-clad women in a traditional cherry blossom dance performance

• Symbolic expression of the beauty and impermanence of sakura

• Ideal for collectors of Japanese art, geisha culture, and classical dance photography

About the Artwork

Bring home a piece of Japan’s artistic and seasonal heritage with this luminous reproduction of The Cherry Blossom Dance (Sakura Odori), a carefully staged portrait from the late 19th century Meiji era. The photograph depicts six women—likely maiko (apprentice geisha) or classical dancers—performing a choreographed sequence with flowers in hand. Their postures are elegant and deliberate, celebrating the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom, a central motif in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.

The image is richly hand-colored, a hallmark of Meiji-period studio photography. Each kimono is adorned with intricate floral and nature-inspired designs, rendered in soft pastel tones and delicate brushwork applied directly to the black-and-white print. This technique blends photography and traditional painting into a uniquely Japanese form of visual art.

Symbolizing both grace and impermanence, this print evokes the refined world of geisha culture and seasonal performance. It is a timeless work that honors the fusion of tradition and artistry, making it a standout piece for collectors, designers, and lovers of Japanese heritage.