In de tuin van het Aioiya theehuis 1790 - 1795

This diptych woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunchō, invites us into the Aioiya teahouse garden, presenting symbols of both transience and enduring appeal. Dominating the scene are figures in elaborate dress, but our eye is drawn to the rooster depicted on the fan. The rooster, a traditional symbol in Japanese art, often represents masculine virility. Think of its connection to dawn, heralding new beginnings, yet this emblem is not isolated to Japan. Across cultures, the rooster boasts a bold presence—from ancient Greek mythology, where it's associated with solar deities, to its Christian symbolism representing vigilance. Observe its recurrence in various forms, each bearing nuanced connotations, yet consistently resonating with potency. As we traverse through civilizations, symbols like the rooster echo across time, evolving yet rooted in a deep, subconscious understanding. This enduring image serves as a constant reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols and the timeless human experience.