Umbrella and Plum 

Shibata Zeshin created this painting of an umbrella and plum, with ink and color on paper. An open umbrella dominates the foreground with sprigs of plum blossoms framing the composition. In Japanese art, the plum blossom is more than just a pretty flower. It’s a symbol of resilience and renewal, blooming in the late winter, heralding the arrival of spring. This symbol transcends cultures. Consider how the blossoming branch appears on Roman sarcophagi to represent rebirth, or in Christian art to indicate the soul of the dead rising to paradise. The umbrella also has a cross-cultural presence, evolving from a symbol of status and power in ancient Egypt and Asia to a practical tool and a source of protection. Perhaps the artist is trying to evoke the constant tension between exposure and shelter. In a way, Zeshin is speaking to our deep-seated need for protection and the regenerative power of nature.