Cherry Blossoms Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress

A beautiful gift book commemorating the nation's most cherished springtime tradition, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, through original works of art from the Library of Congress collections

Experience the splendor of the annual spring viewing of the nation's sakura (cherry blossoms) with this stunning keepsake book. Original artwork, photographs, and objects from the Library of Congress collections illuminate the story of these landmark trees and how they came to the nation's capital as a symbol of friendship with Japan. More than one million visitors from the US and abroad gather each year to enjoy Washington's glorious profusion of cloud-like blossoms and join in the festivities. Cherry Blossoms: Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress showcases exquisite watercolor drawings of blossom varieties among the original cherry trees, Japanese woodblock prints by such master artists as Kiyonaga and Hiroshige, early 3-D stenographs and contemporary photos of the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms, mementos from a former cherry blossom princess, posters of the festival, and more. These works offer the opportunity to explore Japanese culture while celebrating Washington's beloved cherry blossoms.

MARI NAKAHARA is the Curator of Architecture, Design, and Engineering in the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division, and she was formerly a Japanese specialist in its Asian Division. Before coming to the Library, Nakahara had worked at the Octagon, New York Public Library, Skyscraper Museum, Columbia University, and Tokyo Metropolitan University. KATHERINE BLOOD is Curator of Fine Prints in the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division. She has co-curated several exhibitions including "The Floating World of Ukiyo-e" for which she also co-authored the exhibition catalog (Abrams, 2001).