Cypresses 

Fujishima Takeji painted 'Cypresses' with oil on canvas, capturing a scene dominated by vertical forms and muted colors. The somber, weighty presence of the trees is reflected in the tranquil yet dark waters, creating a symmetrical composition that evokes a sense of stillness and introspection. The artist's application of paint, with visible brushstrokes, adds a textural richness that contrasts with the smooth reflections in the water. This play between surface and depth is a key element here. The image borders on a study of dualities. Light and shadow, reality and reflection. Consider how the verticality of the trees challenges traditional landscape compositions, drawing the eye upwards and downwards simultaneously. The subdued palette enhances the painting's contemplative mood, inviting viewers to explore the symbolic weight of the cypresses. Are they guardians of a threshold? Or silent witnesses to a world in quiet transformation? The enduring appeal of this work resides in its formal structure and its capacity to elicit questions about nature and perception.