Young Woman Poling Herself in a Boat among Pond Lilies 1770 - 1790

Isoda Koryūsai rendered this woodblock print depicting a young woman in a boat amidst pond lilies, capturing a fleeting moment. The lotus, or water lily, carries profound symbolism, evoking purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. We see it similarly in ancient Egyptian art, where it was associated with the sun god Ra and the cyclical nature of life. This symbol travels across time, surfacing in diverse cultures, each adding layers of meaning. In Buddhist art, the lotus is the seat of deities, representing spiritual awakening, and here, in this print, it suggests the woman’s own journey towards self-discovery and transformation. The artist, likely subconsciously drawn to the lotus's rich history, taps into a collective memory, creating an image that resonates with us on a deeper, emotional level. The woman, with her calm, contemplative expression, embodies a sense of inner peace and harmony, inviting us to reflect on our own spiritual quests. The cyclical and transformative power of the lotus, a motif that resurfaces throughout history.