Flying Crane, Rising Sun

A restored 1835 Japanese masterpiece, beautifully reproduced as a fine art giclée print.

A close-up of this print on museum-quality textured cotton rag paper

A graceful red-crowned crane soars across the glowing disc of the rising sun — a timeless symbol of longevity, beauty, and renewal in Japanese art.

This work was originally created around 1835 by the celebrated artist Yashima Gakutei (八島岳亭), whose delicate woodblock prints blended poetry, symbolism, and refined design. I discovered this image in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and immediately knew it deserved restoration. Over the centuries, original prints lost detail and clarity — I carefully restored the artwork so you can experience it much as it appeared nearly two centuries ago. For presentation, I’ve also enlarged the image about 30%, giving it a stronger presence on your wall.

On the right, you’ll notice the artist’s name, 岳亭 (Gakutei), along with his seal. The poems above describe the meeting of crane and horizon, weaving themes of rebirth and timeless beauty. The piece is often referred to in Japan as 旭日飛鶴 (Kyokujitsu Hikaku), or “Flying Crane, Rising Sun.”

Each giclée print is produced on museum-quality cotton rag paper with rich, archival inks that capture the fine textures of the original woodblock. The result is a luminous, lasting artwork that carries both history and elegance into your space.

For me, this project was a labor of love. I’ve invested countless hours restoring the image, experimenting with papers, and perfecting the print process. The reward is in sharing this timeless vision — a piece of Japanese heritage — with you at a price that makes it truly accessible.

Bring the Flying Crane, Rising Sun into your home as a symbol of peace, endurance, and renewal.