Five Crows in a Snowy Tree c. 19th century

Kōno Bairei created this ink-on-paper scroll painting, depicting five crows amidst a snow-laden tree. Within Japanese culture, crows are complex symbols, often seen as messengers from the spirit world, or as symbols of ill omen or misfortune, yet also emblems of filial devotion. Notice how crows appear as a motif of death or transformation across different eras. From the raven in Edgar Allan Poe's poem to their role as psychopomps in various mythologies, crows frequently embody the intersection of life and death. These birds may stir deep-seated anxieties about mortality. The artist's choice to portray them in a stark winter setting amplifies feelings of loneliness and introspection, yet the way in which they huddle together also implies a powerful sense of community. These conflicting emotions, deeply rooted in the human psyche, are what give the symbol of the crow its enduring power. This piece shows how symbols resurface and evolve throughout history, taking on new significance as they go.