Copper Pheasant in Snow 

Ohara Koson captured this Copper Pheasant in Snow with ink and color on paper. The pheasant, known for its elaborate plumage, has long been a symbol of beauty and transformation in various cultures. Here, perched amidst a stark winter landscape, it embodies resilience. Consider how birds appear in the mythologies of different cultures: In ancient Greece, they were messengers of the gods, while in many indigenous traditions, they represent spiritual insight. This contrast mirrors the bird's contradictory nature: both fragile and enduring. Note the waterfall in the background; an enduring symbol that links this image to similar motifs in European art history. It is a visual echo of the turbulent rivers, the rushing waters, and the eternal cycles of nature. This reminds us of the human mind, where images are preserved and transformed, resurfacing unexpectedly. The image is not merely a depiction of a bird, but a layered expression of cultural memory and the persistent power of symbols.