Hobonichi 2023 Weeks Tomitaro Makino: Yamazakura (Diagram) [Japanese Edition - Apr Start]

The Weeks cover features a botanical illustration of the Yamazakura cherry tree by botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino in 1900. This is the second illustration, which shows a diagram of the cherry tree, following the first illustration which showed the whole shape of the tree.

At the time, Dr. Makino chose the Yamazakura, meaning “mountain cherry,” as a symbolic Japanese plant for the opening illustration of his “Flora Japonica” book. In the second illustration, the branches, leaves, fruits and seeds of the Yamazakura were observed and drawn, with the parts arranged in a good balance.

The rough cloth cover is inspired from the image of a canvas. The botanical illustrations, born from a keen eye for observation, knowledge, and experience, make this techo an ideal companion for your daily life.

The illustrations were drawn about 120 years ago during the Meiji Era, using loupes and microscopes for detailed observation and creating drawings that show the structures of various parts. Using a Makie painting brush with a bundle of mouse hairs, even the smallest details of leaves and fruits are expressed clearly through shading.

Letters written below the stunning botanical illustration “PRUNUS PSEUDO - CERASUS, Lindl., α. SPONTANEA, Maxim.” represent the scientific name of the Yamazakura cherry tree. The notation “ra-ku-za-ma-ya” spelled in hiragana reflects the writing style of the Meiji Era, written from right to left, instead of left to right.