Dragon c. late 18th century

Ito Jakuchu created this ink on paper artwork in 18th century Japan, featuring a powerful dragon. Dragons, symbols of strength and wisdom, have long been important in Eastern art and culture. In this image, the dragon's fierce expression shows its mastery over the forces of nature. We can see echoes of similar mythical creatures across cultures, such as the Babylonian Tiamat or the Greek Python. The dragon, often linked to water and rain, embodies life-giving power. This idea has shifted over time; in some cultures, the dragon represents chaos and destruction. The image taps into our shared human emotions of awe and fear. Symbols like these are not fixed. They evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings, connecting us to an ancient, ever-changing cultural narrative.