Old Man and a Sparrow c. 1818 - 1829

0:00

drawing, print, ink

portrait

drawing

narrative-art

print

asian-art

ukiyo-e

figuration

ink

Dimensions: 15 x 19 1/4 in. (38.1 x 48.9 cm) (image, sheet)

This woodblock print of an old man with a sparrow was created by Takezawa Saihō. We see an elderly man with a cane, and next to him, a sparrow rendered almost as a human figure wearing a kimono. Consider the symbolism of the sparrow. In many cultures, the sparrow represents diligence, simplicity, and joy. In East Asian art, sparrows often symbolize the arrival of spring and are seen as bringers of good fortune. Think of the ever-present motif of birds in flight across different cultures and eras – from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to the doves of peace in modern art. Here, the artist infuses this traditional symbol with new emotional depth. The old man's weary posture contrasts with the sparrow’s vibrant presence. It may evoke a collective memory of nature’s resilience, offering a psychological connection that is deeply embedded in our shared subconscious. In essence, this artwork serves as a reminder of the continuous exchange of symbols, how they resurface and evolve, enriching our understanding and engaging us in a cyclical progression through history.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

⋮

Shitakiri-suzume, or "Tongue-cut Sparrow" is a well-known Japanese folktale. It involves a kind old man and his coldhearted wife. After finding his pet sparrow has flown away because his wife cut its tongue as punishment for misbehavior, the old man went searching the bird in the forest. He was greeted by a group of sparrows that were dressed like humans. Appreciating his concern and kindness for the injured bird, they entertained him with a feast, during which they sang and danced for him. This print shows the old man holding the claw of a sparrow, at the moment when he arrived at the sparrows' secret community in the forest. Wearing a white headdress and a long-sleeved kimono, the bird in this print looks like an elegant young lady. The old man himself, a humbled farmer in the original story, is dressed like a wealthy retiree. In fact, it may be a portrait of the gentleman who commissioned the print as a backdrop for verses by members of his poetry society.