Cherry Blossoms (National Treasure)
Many cultural treasures have been stored and preserved at Chishakuin, including both large and small sliding door paintings that have been designated as national treasures and priceless old manuscripts written by monks and other authors. Perhaps the most notable treasures are Cherry Blossoms, Maple Tree, and other magnificent sliding door paintings created by the Hasegawa Tohaku school during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1603).
Hasegawa Tohaku’s son Kyuzo painted Cherry Blossoms when he was around 25 years old. This piece features a large and striking cherry tree on a magnificently colored background covered in gold leaf. The cherry blossoms are brought to life with each petal being depicted in glorious detail. The striking beauty of this painting and Kyuzo’s skill must have given Tohaku high hopes for the future of his school. However, Kyuzo unfortunately passed away the year after he completed this masterpiece.