Meeting between Emperor Wen and Fisherman Lü Shang 1590 - 1610

Kano Takanobu painted this image of Emperor Wen meeting Fisherman Lü Shang. It's rendered on a six-panel screen. This meeting is not just an encounter, it is a pivotal moment laden with symbolism. The figure of Lü Shang, the fisherman, embodies wisdom in simplicity. We see him removed from the courtly life, close to nature. The Emperor's entourage carries symbols of authority: parasols, fine robes, and attendants. These are visual reminders of power. But power recognizes that true knowledge can come from unexpected places. The pine tree that overhangs the encounter evokes the classical world, and is a symbol of longevity, steadfastness, and renewal. This motif connects to the symbolism of the Palm Tree in ancient Egypt, or the Oak Tree in the Nordic countries, promising longevity and enduring wisdom. These archetypes connect to the collective memory and subconscious human processes. The composition encourages us to see the psychological drama of the story: the humble scholar's virtue. Its power to affect the human psyche, crossing cultures and centuries, cannot be denied. The cyclical progression of this symbol speaks to the enduring human quest for wisdom.