Tatsuta-gawa: The Ancient Japanese Motif of Autumn Leaves on Water (19

Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

This is an elegant Japanese woodblock print from the design magazine Shin-Bijutsukai (The New Ocean of Art), published around 1902 during Japan's Meiji era. The artwork displays a classic and serene motif: autumn maple leaves (momiji) in shades of red, orange, and brown, floating gently on a stylized stream of water. The design emphasizes pattern, rhythm, and the beauty of empty space, creating a tranquil and decorative composition that was intended to serve as inspiration for artisans and craftsmen.

Historical Tidbit

This seemingly simple design of autumn leaves on water is actually a famous and deeply poetic theme in Japanese culture known as Tatsuta-gawa (Tatsuta River). For over a thousand years, this motif has appeared in poetry and art to evoke the beauty of the Tatsuta River near Nara, which was renowned for its stunning autumn scenery. Classical poems describe the vibrant red maple leaves floating on the water's surface as looking like a rich, flowing brocade (nishiki). This print from the Meiji era shows the enduring power of this ancient symbol, repackaging a classical poetic image into a modern design format for a new generation.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time: