Vogel vliegend bij herfsttakken 1892 - 1897

Matsumura Keibun captured this bird flying by autumn branches, using ink and color on paper. The vibrant red maple leaves and the dynamic pose of the bird in flight are the dominant symbols, embodying seasonal change and the fleeting nature of life. These motifs resonate deeply across cultures. Think of Renaissance paintings where birds often symbolize the soul's journey or divine messengers. In Japanese art, the maple leaf itself, with its transformation from green to fiery red, has long represented the passage of time and the acceptance of change. Consider, too, how these symbols echo in our dreams: birds soaring freely, evoking longing for liberation. Perhaps the artist, through the cultural memory embedded in these symbols, tapped into a universal desire for freedom and renewal, inviting us to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence and our place within it.