Autumn in Japan is a magical season. Because of the abundance of maple trees all over the country, every city and hillside is swathed in shades of red, gold, yellow, and orange.

One of our favorite contemporary Japanese artists, Hiroo Isono, has captured these colors in all of their glory, offset by the gorgeous turquoise blue of the peaceful lake, and the clear white crispness of the waterfall.

A popular word in Japan that people associate with Autumn is "Kouyou" which is used to describe the turning of the leaves. In Japanese culture, changing leaves are second only to cherry blossoms in their attraction, and the Japanese travel to popular viewing spots to watch the leaves change color and fall and to have picnics and parties and family get-togethers to celebrate that. The kanji symbol for Kouyou literally means crimson leaves, though these days that term is also used to describe, yellow, and gold, and orange ones. That kanji is also used for the Japanese term "Momiji" which means maple leaves.

Japanese maple trees are associated with the peace and serenity of the world's elements. They represent balance and practicality and are also called "Kito" in Japanese which means "calm," "rest" or "at peace."

The perfect gift for wooden jigsaw puzzlers and Asian Art enthusiasts, this traditional adult wooden jigsaw puzzle can be done time and again. Our wooden jigsaw puzzle artists have included many shaped whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the theme of the painting, and we have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden jigsaw puzzle together.