Every spring in Japan, an age-old tradition unfolds beneath delicate pink canopies. Hanami, the practice of viewing cherry blossoms, is more than just a seasonal event—it is a poignant reminder of the fleeting beauty of life. As the blossoms bloom in ephemeral splendor, people gather beneath them to reflect, celebrate, and cherish the present moment. This tradition, rooted in centuries of Japanese culture, finds a profound echo in the latest sculpture by Coderch & Malavia, a tribute to the philosophy of impermanence and appreciation.
The Legacy of Hanami
Hanami, which translates to "flower viewing," dates back over a thousand years to Japan’s Heian period. Initially enjoyed by the imperial court, it later became a tradition embraced by all walks of life. The sakura (cherry blossoms) have long been revered in Japanese culture, symbolizing both renewal and the transient nature of existence. Samurai saw them as a reflection of their own lives—beautiful, yet fleeting. Today, they continue to inspire poets, artists, and philosophers, encouraging deep contemplation of time, change, and the essence of being.
Wabi-Sabi and the Art of Impermanence
In Japanese aesthetics, the concept of Wabi-Sabi celebrates imperfection, transience, and the beauty found in the natural cycle of growth and decay. The cherry blossom embodies this philosophy perfectly—its brief yet breathtaking bloom is a metaphor for the impermanence of life.
Coderch & Malavia’s latest sculpture captures this essence with stunning elegance. A serene female figure, seated in quiet introspection, is adorned with delicate golden branches. Much like the cherry blossom, she exudes both strength and vulnerability. This artwork is not just a visual piece; it is an invitation to reflect on the passing of time, the preciousness of each moment, and the beauty inherent in the impermanent.
Hanami by Coderch and Malavia - A Symbol of Renewal and Reflection
A Japanese folktale tells of a devoted wet nurse who sacrificed her life to save the child she cared for. As a reward for her unwavering love, she was transformed into a cherry blossom tree, blooming each year on the anniversary of the child’s passing. This tale, like many others surrounding the sakura, teaches us about love, sacrifice, and the eternal cycle of renewal.
Much like the blossoms that only grace the world for a short while, our own lives are transient. Yet, instead of mourning impermanence, Hanami teaches us to embrace it. The fleeting nature of things is precisely what makes them precious.
What if we lived our lives with the same awareness as the cherry blossoms? If we cherished every moment, every encounter, and every experience, knowing that nothing lasts forever? Would we not be kinder, more present, more grateful?
Honoring the Present, Cherishing the Journey
Life flows like the seasons—ever-changing, never stagnant. Just as the cherry blossoms bloom, drift, and fade, so do our own experiences. We often become so entangled in our pursuit of the future that we forget to honor the now. Yet, it is in the now that life truly happens.
Hanami, Coderch & Malavia’s sculpture, part of their limited edition series, serves as a tangible reminder of this truth. It invites us to pause, to breathe, and to appreciate the beauty surrounding us. It urges us to live fully, love deeply, and embrace each season of our existence with reverence.
As the petals fall, they do not lament their departure. Instead, they dance upon the wind, celebrating the life they have lived. And so should we.
Visit us at Les Tosqueres 5 and experience this sculpture in person.
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