“Cherry Blossoms and Raft — Kōdaiji Maki-e” Companion ChopsticksThe motif of hana ikada (flower raft) evokes the poetic image of fallen cherry petals floating on the waters surface, drifting together like a raft. The moment when cherry blossoms scatter in the air embodies both transience and beauty, yet when the petals come to rest upon rivers or ponds, quietly flowing away, this scene is given a new name: hana ikada. Knowing this expression allows us to appreciate cherry blossoms from another perspective,