Maple Tree (National Treasure)
It is not difficult to imagine that Tohaku was crushed by the sudden death of his son Kyuzo only one year after the completion of Cherry Blossoms. Although the shock initially caused Tohaku to lose the will to paint, he soon found inspiration by devoting himself to painting Maple Tree and continuing his son’s legacy. Tohaku’s maple tree extends its branches with the same power as the cherry tree in Kyuzo’s painting, and the various flowers Tohaku skillfully placed beneath the tree possess the same level of beauty and elegance as Kyuzo’s cherry blossom petals. Maple Tree, which Tohaku completed at age 55, is a truly magnificent piece that evokes the strength the artist used to overcome the grief of his son’s death and the elegance of a quiet, peaceful day in autumn.