Pagota in Kiyotaki 1913

Samuel Mutzner's canvas shows us a pagoda in Kiyotaki, rendered with vibrant, impressionistic strokes. The pagoda itself, a tiered tower, serves as a potent symbol, deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. Its form is a cosmic diagram, each level representing different stages of spiritual ascent, reaching towards enlightenment. In many cultures, we find towers serving as bridges between the earthly and the divine; think of the Tower of Babel or the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia. They all tap into a primal human urge to connect with something beyond our immediate grasp. The red lantern held by the figure in the foreground is another recurring motif. Red, a color of vitality and protection in many Eastern traditions, is not merely decorative. It speaks to the subconscious, evoking feelings of warmth and security. Symbols such as these are never static. They evolve, resurface, and find new life, weaving through the tapestry of human experience.