‘Birds and Flowers’ design in Japanese art

Birds and Blossoms: The Enduring Allure of Kacho-e in Japanese Art

The theme of birds and flowers — known as kacho-e — holds a revered place in Japanese painting. One of the three major genres of traditional East Asian painting (the others being landscape and figure painting), kacho-e finds its origins in Chinese academic art. However, Japanese artists transformed this refined, courtly tradition into something uniquely their own: delicate, decorative, and imbued with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.

Ink and Influence: The Medieval Origins

Kacho-e began appearing in Japan during the 14th century, a time when Zen Buddhism and Chinese culture exerted strong influence on Japanese art. Buddhist monks were among the first to produce simple yet evocative ink drawings of bamboo, plum blossom, lotus flowers, and birds — motifs rich in symbolism and spiritual meaning.

These early compositions drew direct inspiration from Chinese Song and Yuan dynasty paintings, many of which were imported into Japan during this period. Though influenced by Chinese models, Japanese painters gradually adapted the themes to suit local tastes, emphasising serenity, asymmetry, and refined simplicity.

_{KONO BAIREI (1844 – 1895). A set of three illustrated Japanese books ‘Bairei hyakucho gafu’ (pictures of one hundred birds by Bairei). Estimate £150-£200}

The Edo Period: Power, Prosperity, and Symbolism

Following centuries of civil war, Japan entered the Edo period under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This era (1603–1868) saw not only political stability and economic growth, but also a flourishing of the arts. The feudal elite — particularly shoguns and daimyo — commissioned grand decorative works to reflect their status and wealth.

Castles and elite residences featured opulent wall panels, screens, and hangings adorned with birds and blossoms, often rendered on gold leaf backgrounds. These vibrant compositions symbolised prosperity, seasonal beauty, and harmony with nature — values central to Japanese cultural identity.

^{Lot 120. A Japanese embroidered hanging. Estimate:£1,200-£1,500}

Isolation and Innovation: The Tokugawa Renaissance

During Japan’s period of national seclusion (1635–1853), foreign influence was limited — but domestic culture thrived. Traditional Japanese aesthetics were revived and refined, with woodblock printing reaching new heights of sophistication.

Kacho-e became widely accessible thanks to innovations in full-colour printing. Master artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige brought birds and flowers to life on paper in intricate ukiyo-e prints, often in narrow vertical (tanzaku) formats ideal for home display.

_{Lot 123.ANDO HIROSHIGE (1797 – 1858). Three Japanese woodblock prints, tanzaku format, a sparrow and cherry blossoms, a nightingale and chrysanthemums. Estimate: £150-£200}

The Meiji Era: From Samurai to Studio Artists

The Meiji Restoration (1868–1912) ushered in sweeping political, social, and cultural changes. With the end of the samurai class and the restoration of the emperor, Japan opened to the West — and its art soon followed.

Artists who once served feudal patrons adapted their skills to create decorative art for international markets. Swordsmiths, lacquerware artisans, and metalworkers turned to producing exquisite objets d'art for world exhibitions. In this context, kacho-e evolved into more naturalistic and detailed representations, appealing to both domestic collectors and Western admirers.

The West’s growing fascination with Japonisme helped fuel the popularity of these works, many of which remain highly collectible today.

Interested in Selling or Valuing Japanese Art?

Whether you own traditional woodblock prints, decorative hangings, or Meiji-period craftsmanship, your pieces may hold significant historical and market value. Our Asian Art department welcomes consignments and offers complimentary auction valuations.

For further enquiries or to arrange a valuation, please contact:
Asian Art Department
asian@chiswickauctions.co.uk