Pheasants on the snow 

This woodblock print of pheasants on snow was made by Ohara Koson, a Japanese artist active in the early 20th century. Observe the birds and snow, prominent symbols rich with cultural meaning. In Japanese art, birds often embody a range of symbolic associations, from representing the seasons to conveying specific emotions. Here, amidst the starkness of winter, the pheasants evoke a sense of resilience and vitality. The presence of snow is also significant. Snow transforms the familiar landscape, blanketing the world in a serene stillness. Snow, like the serpent or the flowing robes, is not just a depiction of the natural world; it is a powerful, ever-changing symbol. Consider the cyclical progression of the seasons. Winter gives way to spring, and life reemerges from the cold. The motifs we find in art are not static; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.