Woodblock Print by Shodo Kawarazaki: Lily of the Valley

Dozens of small white bells, and not one of them ringing out of turn.

This woodblock print, Lily of the Valley, is by Shodo Kawarazaki (1889-1973), from Japan, dated 1954, in ink on paper. Kawarazaki is best known for his flower prints, generally grouped with the shin-hanga movement, in which publisher, carver and printer worked together to realize an artist's design. Arching sprays of white blossoms hang against broad leaves in dark and pale green, set on a soft grey ground. The flower's name runs down the upper left in katakana, and a red-bordered seal sits at the lower left. The deckled paper edges are left untrimmed. It is 10.5 inches wide and 15.75 high.

Spring, kept flat and quiet.