"Genpo yoka" (Collection of Flowering Plants)

Ito Jakuchu

Edo period, dated 1768 (Meiwa 5)

Ink rubbing of woodblock on paper

Tokyo National Museum

This Japanese woodblock print depicts two distinct floral arrangements against a black background. The left side features a branch with clusters of small berries and leaves, while the right side shows a large leaf with holes, a hanging flower bud, and striped elements. This Japanese woodblock print depicts two distinct floral arrangements against a black background. The left side features a branch with clusters of small berries and leaves, while the right side shows a large leaf with holes, a hanging flower bud, and striped elements. Ito Jakuchu has depicted several flowering plants, vegetables and insects using black and white only. Jakuchu was active in Kyoto during the 18th century. He was renowned for his vivid paintings of flowers and birds, but his graphical sensibilities are also apparent in monochrome works like this one. Exquisite Flowers from the Realm of the Immortals is a collection of