"What a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms." - Kobayashi Issa

The cherry blossom is a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, representing the beauty and fleeting nature of life. Poems, paintings and art pieces had been created by artist and artisans over centuries in capturing this sentiment.

One famous poem titled "A Song of Cherry Blossoms" by Saigo Takamori in 19th Century Japan perhaps is perhaps one of the best example. A renowned samurai and an admirer of cherry blossoms, Saigo Takamori was most known for being leader of the Satsuma Rebellion. Before heading into battle, he wrote the poignant poem, reflecting on the transience of life and the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Despite his bravery & leadership, Takamori's rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, and he & his samurai warriors were defeated in the Battle of Shiroyama. To preserve his honor, Takamori committed seppuku, marking the end of the samurai era in Japan.

Nevertheless, Takamori remains a revered figure in Japanese culture, his love for cherry blossoms and his poem have become symbols of Japan's appreciation for the fleeting beauty of life.

At UWPF, we take pride in creating exquisite porcelain pieces that embody the timeless beauty and rich symbolism of cherry blossom. Each piece is meticulously hand-painted using a range of techniques, including underglaze blue, overglaze enamels, and gilding, to showcase the delicate hues and intricate patterns of the cherry blossom.