Spring in Japan

This elegant box set invites readers into the heart of Japan’s most poetic season through a curated collection of woodblock prints by the great masters of ukiyo-e.

Presented in a luxurious two-volume slipcased set, this edition pairs timeless art with expert commentary in a format designed for reflection, appreciation, and beauty. The main volume showcases a selection of prints that capture Hanami (the appreciation of the fleeting wonder of spring): blossoming cherry trees, riverside picnics, moonlit gardens, and the quiet rituals of seasonal change.
Highlights include Hiroshige’s Plum Garden at Kameido and Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom at Arashiyama, Hokusai’s Viewing Cherry Blossoms by the Sumida River, and Yoshitoshi’s elegant Yayoi from the series Flowers of the Twelve Months. The works unfold in a striking accordion format, allowing readers to experience them as immersive, panoramic compositions.
Alongside this visual journey, a separate booklet by Japan scholar Jocelyn Bouquillard provides insightful background on each image. Her commentary illuminates the symbolism, historical context, and enduring cultural meanings of spring in Japanese life and art, every page enriching the reader’s understanding with a deeper sense of connection.
Also featuring prints by artists such as Kyōsai and Kunisada, Spring in Japan is a tribute to the elegance and emotional resonance of Japanese printmaking. Perfect for lovers of Japanese aesthetics, collectors, or anyone drawn to the passing beauty of nature, this set offers a charming glimpse into a world where art, tradition, and the rhythms of the natural world are exquisitely entwined.JOCELYN BOUQUILLARD is a curator at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and an expert in Japanese prints.