Fall and Winter [left of a pair of Landscapes of the Four Seasons] c. mid 16th century

This is Fall and Winter, a screen made with ink and color on paper by the Kano School. Observe the composition—the mountains and the water. Mountains, in East Asian art, symbolize the yang, or male principle, of steadfastness. Water embodies the yin, the female principle, of flowing change. Together, they represent cosmic harmony. The image calls to mind the ink landscapes of the Song Dynasty in China, where similar motifs were used to express philosophical ideas about nature. The imagery is reminiscent of Caspar David Friedrich’s Romantic landscapes, where nature inspires awe and introspection. Here, nature's sublimity evokes emotions and resonates with our collective memories and a deep yearning for understanding our place in the universe. The cyclical nature of seasons mirrors our own lives—the constant cycle of change and renewal. These symbols do not simply vanish; they resurface, adapt, and continue to speak to us.