Cherry Blossom

Cherry blossoms have many meanings, the first of which is that life is ephemeral. They are wonderful to admire in full bloom, but the flowers (and trees) are short-lived and only bloom for a few weeks before falling to the ground and withering. The meanings of "sakura" are also contradictory. They symbolize life and death, beauty and violence. Just as the arrival of spring promises new life, so the blooming of cherry blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vivacity. At the same time, their short lifespan reminds us that life is ephemeral. 

Cherry blossoms are often seen as symbols filled with meaning in Japanese culture, in paintings, films, poetry and literature. 

The "sakura" enclose and become a metaphor for the ideal characteristics of bushido, the code of conduct and life of the samurai, symbols par excellence of value, purity and loyalty. They lived by a strict moral code of respect, honor and discipline called bushido. Their duty was to embody and preserve these virtues and to be fearless warriors even in the face of death. Cherry blossoms or fallen petals symbolized the end of the samurai's short life. Indeed, it can be said that a real parallel has been created between samurai and cherry trees. Just as cherry blossoms are beautiful but ephemeral, samurai are noble and courageous, although their life can end at any moment. 

Cherry blossoms bloom at different times depending on variety and location. In southern Japan, cherry blossoms bloom from mid to late March. Around the central part of Japan, including Tokyo, you will see cherry trees blooming from late March to early April, sometimes as late as mid-April. In the north (e.g. Hokkaido), cherry blossoms bloom later, from the last week of April to the first weeks of May.

The cherry tree probably has Caucasian origins; However, due to the tasty fruits and the precious wood with elegant reddish veins, the essence has been cultivated, in numerous varieties, for a long time and therefore today it grows, even spontaneously, almost everywhere. Eastern cultures appreciate this plant above all for the flowers which they have chosen as a symbol of numerous virtues such as courtesy, modesty and moral integrity. 

In Japan, witnessing the cherry blossoms is a truly national celebration called "Hanami". The word itself "hanami" literally means "to admire the flowers", from the fusion between "hana" (flowers) and "mi" (observe).

The Hanami ritual is a ceremony originating in Japan that celebrates the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. It is simply the common practice of viewing cherry blossoms. In ancient times, farmers prayed, presented offerings and feasted under the cherry trees, believing this would bring an abundant harvest. Nowadays, Hanami is a highly anticipated event that occurs once a year. When spring arrives, family and friends gather for picnics and parties under the cherry trees. They sing together, eat all kinds of food and drink alcohol. 

First of all, related to the cherry tree are some of the most beautiful stories from Japanese folklore, including the origin of its blossoming. Legend has it that in an uncontaminated forest, far from civilization, there grew a cherry tree that was unable to bloom. His negative and sad aura prevented grass from growing and animals from approaching. It was as if he were blocked, unable to blossom and live. 

Attracted by this strangeness, a Kami, a woodland deity, took pity on the tree and offered it her help. She gave him the ability to transform into a man, giving him a human heart, so that he could travel and find good and beautiful reasons that led him to flourish. He had a year to find a reason that would allow him to blossom, after which he would die. 

The cherry tree accepted, but at first it didn't like humanity, so caught up in wars of power, death and violence. Everything changed, however, when the cherry tree met Sakura, a young woman, to whom he introduced himself with the name of Yohiro, meaning "hope". The two soon became confidants, then dear friends and finally fell in love. The cherry tree did not hide its true nature from Sakura, leaving her deeply disturbed and surprised. 

However, the year had almost passed and the goddess returned to ask Yohiro if he was ready to blossom... or die. It was then that Sakura understood that she could not remain without the cherry tree, so the deity proposed that she merge with Yohiro in the same tree to be together with him forever. Sakura accepted, and when the two lovers embraced, they became one. At that point the tree blossomed, filling with hundreds of pink flowers, symbols of an eternal love sealed by a cascade of petals. 

Stones used: Brown Paonazzetto, White Paonazzetto, Burned Calcedony.

Year of composition: 2024

Size: cm 39,5x62,5

Artist: Leonardo Scarpelli

An original and authentic hand-made artwork created whith the antique technique of Commesso Fiorentino which is unique for Florence.

Commesso Fiorentino was born with Medici family, one of the most important families in Florence, in the second half of 1500.

The research of the stones is made by the mosaicist that must be able to choose from a rich and wide range of shades and veins: for this reason the artists personally search and collect the stones retracing the paths of the Medici researchers.

The processing starts by drawing the subject on adhesive paper, that is then cut into small tamplates that will be attached to the variegated shades of the stones following the visual instinct, the innate gift of the artist and his perfect knowledge of the materials. The shape of the little piece will be cut by hand with a chestnut, cherry or hazelnut wood bow and an iron wire that flows with abrasive powder and water. It creates a very precise and inclined cut to form the essential spaces to accommodate the glue, made by artisans with beeswax and pine tree resin. The different stones are previously glued onto a slate surface which acts as a support during the cutting and filing phase. The various pieces which form the composition are adjusted in shape with diamond files, glued together so that the joints are invisible, flattened and finally polished in order to create a perfect decorative harmony showing the colors of nature in all their radiance.