Sakura, Japanese Cherry

Sakura, Japanese Cherry
by Manabu Miyoshi
Adopted for Conservation by
Mary Augusta Thomas
In memory of Mary A. Rosenfeld
on June 25, 2019
Cover of Sakura - Japanese Cherry

Sakura, Japanese cherry, Tourist Library no 3

By Manabu Miyoshi. Tokyo: Maruzen, 1935.

"Sakura" is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms, which symbolize the ephemeral nature of life and are loved for their spring floral beauty. This small book, part of a series of illustrated pocket-sized books, was published by the Japanese Board of Tourist Industry (Japanese Government Railways, 1934-1942) at a time when not many books published in Japan were written in English. They were written specifically to introduce the English speaking Western culture to Japanese culture and promote tourism. Sakura, No. 3 gives the origin and history of sakura, the different cultivars found in Japan, sakura resorts to visit, and notable trees. It is illustrated throughout with lovely photos and one of the many well-used books the Botany and Horticulture Library has on cherry trees.

Condition and Treatment: 

This is an early 20th century publication for the tourist trade in Japan. The cover is torn at the top of the spine. The adhesive on the textblock is failing. The frontispiece is torn at the gutter. The call number label obscures the decorative cover. Conservators will remove textblock and repair the cover. The textblock spine will be cleaned and re-adhered. The frontispiece will be repaired and an attempt made to remove the call number label.

Discover more about this book in our Catalog.

Adoption Type: Preserve for the Future