Geese and Reeds 1850 - 1899

These two scrolls depicting geese and reeds were painted with ink and color on silk by Kano Sosen Narinobu. Geese, often depicted in flight or near water, symbolize autumn and, more profoundly, conjugal fidelity and marital bliss. The reeds that surround these creatures are not mere background; they represent resilience and adaptability. Consider the enduring image of birds in flight. From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs representing the soul's journey to the heavens, to Renaissance depictions of doves embodying the Holy Spirit, the motif transcends cultures. The migratory patterns of geese, their seasonal return, echo our own cyclical understanding of life and death. The geese's journey mirrors humanity's eternal quest for home, a primal longing embedded deep in our collective memory. The imagery of geese and reeds evoke a powerful, subconscious longing for stability and continuity. These images act as cultural anchors, inviting us to reflect on our place within the grand, cyclical narrative of existence.