Mountain Poem 1783

Ryū Kōbi, in this hanging scroll, uses ink on paper to inscribe 'Mountain Poem.' The characters, rendered in dynamic, swirling strokes, evoke a sense of the natural world. Consider the symbol of the mountain, not merely as a geographical feature, but as a profound cultural emblem throughout history. Mountains have been regarded as sacred spaces, places of spiritual retreat, and sources of wisdom. We find this reverence mirrored in the Psalms, where mountains symbolize steadfastness and divine protection. The cyclical nature of water in the poem reminds me of the ever-changing yet constant flow of life, a concept that recurs across cultures, echoing in Heraclitus's philosophy of perpetual flux. The poem’s emotional resonance lies in its appeal to our primal connection with nature. This piece awakens a deep-seated longing for tranquility, a desire to escape the chaos of the mundane. Notice how these symbols are passed down through history, shifting in meaning, yet retaining their emotional core.