The Japanese archipelago stretches over 3,800 kilometers in a narrow arc from the northeast to the southwest . During the months of March through May the cherry blossom trees bloom like a wave from the south sweeping to the north in what is known as the Sakura Blossom Front. Joy abounds, as people recognize that spring is approaching. The Sakura or cherry blossom is designated as Japan's national flower. Historically however, in the Nara era ( 710 - 794) the influence of Chinese culture was very strong. During this time many people admired the Ume or plum blossom that came from China.
In the "Manyoshu" ( a collection of poems compiled in 759), it i s said that there are 119 poems dedicated to the Ume and was the most frequently chosen topic. By contrast, poems dedicated to the Sakura only numbered 47. As time passed the customer of sending envoys to China to gain outside knowledge and culture was abolished in the Heian era ( 794 - 1185 ) and as the influence of the Chinese court diminished Japan developed its own culture. As a result, the Sakura which is native to Japan started to gain great favor. In the "Kokinwakashu" (905) another collection of poems, of the 134 poems dedicated to spring over 100 featured the Sakura blossom.
The Sakura blossoms in full bloom were greatly admired prior to the advent the Bushi Samurai warrior. However, the Sakura became to be linked to the Bushido spirit of chivalry (being willing to die for the Lord they served ), and the moment when the petals fall with a decisive grace came to be greatly praised and valued. There are numerous famous location throughout Japan where people go to view, the Sakura in bloom. On the international scene the Sakura tree s along the Potomac river in Washington D.C. are very famous. These trees were brought from Japan when they were just saplings in the beginning of the 20th century.
You can experience the beauty of the Sakura in the limited edition Namiki Sakura fountain pen. The Namiki Sakura features a base coating of vermilion urushi lacquer, and on this a depicting a Sakura flower motif. The motif is made using the cut gold and silver technique and the hollowed inlay technique - called "Hyomon". In this technique "Raden" a pink/red abalone shell is selected and carved into thin strips to the shape of individual flower petals. They are carefully arranged in place alternating with petals made of gold and silver. This petal motif is coated with several layers of vermilion urushi lacquer and then it is ground and polished to expose the Sakura petals on the lacquer base. The Namiki Sakura pen changes its brilliant gloss according to the viewed angle. At certain angles you can experience the cherry blossoms in full bloom.