Woodblock Print by Shodo Kawarazaki: Red Spider Flower

Red petals curling back and long stamens flung out in every direction, like a small firework caught mid-burst.

This woodblock print, Red Spider Flower, is by Shodo Kawarazaki (1889-1973), from Japan, dated 1954, in ink on paper. In Japan the red spider lily, or higanbana, blooms around the autumn equinox and is often associated with remembrance of the departed. Two full flower heads rise on tall, bare green stems, their narrow scarlet petals ringed by fine threads tipped in dark dots. A cluster of closed orange buds stands to the lower right. The plant's names run down the upper left, with a red seal below. It is 15.75 inches high and 10.75 across.

Leafless, and not missing a thing.