Pauw in kersenboom 1900 - 1930

This woodcut by Ohara Koson captures a peacock perched gracefully on a blossoming cherry tree. The peacock, a symbol of beauty and pride, has long resonated across cultures, from ancient Greece, where it was associated with Hera, to its place in diverse mythologies. Here, the peacock’s presence among cherry blossoms, symbols of spring and renewal, evokes cycles of life and rebirth. The peacock is also associated with the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, embodying compassion and watchfulness. Consider how the 'evil eye' found in various cultures is visually echoed in the peacock's plumage. This motif, intended to ward off negativity, reminds us of humanity's primal drive to protect against unseen forces. The way the peacock motif has been interpreted through various cultural lenses shows the intricate dance between observation, adaptation, and reinvention that defines the life of symbols across time and space. It is an emotionally charged image, engaging us on a subconscious level with nature's beauty and our own deep-seated beliefs.