Flowers and national treasures are in harmony through May 14, 2023, at the Nezu Museum in Tokyo, Japan.

Even after the sakura (cherry blossom) petals have floated away, various flowers emerge throughout Tokyo in April and May. For a limited time only, one museum offers the chance to see beautiful blossoms blooming alongside national treasures.

The Nezu Museum exhibits a variety of antique art collections from Japan and the East. The chic interior of the renovated building in Minami Aoyama designed by Kengo Kuma in 2009 is an ideal space to contemplate fine arts.

The main attraction right now are the “Irises Screen” painted by Ogata Korin (1658-1716) (detail, above, left). It dates from the Edo period in Japan (the 18th Century). These designated National Treasures are only displayed each year from mid-April to mid-May when irises bloom.

After admiring the artist’s vision, step out into the gallery garden to see the living flower in full glory.

(Photos courtesy of Nezu Museum)