Rankafu

the long version

This book tells the story of banker Shotaro Kaga and orchid grower Kenkichi Goto whose pioneering orchid breeding programme in the early 20th century started a horticultural craze in Japan that continues to this day. To illustrate the beauty of his plants Kaga turned to gifted watercolourist Zuigetsu Ikeda and many talented woodblock artisans to create a stunning artistic legacy. First published in 1946, this print collection was titled Rankafu (Orchid Print Album). The Rankafu prints are now considered masterworks of botanical art. Published here in English for the first time is a book that includes a complete set of the exceptional 83 woodblock prints, reproduced in full colour, illustrating the fine details achieved by this spectacular art form. Accompanying the prints are reproductions of 60 original orchid watercolours by Zuigetsu Ikeda. With a foreword by Phillip Cribb, leading specialist on the taxonomy and conservation of orchids.