Rooster and Hen with Hydrangeas 

Ito Jakuchu rendered this image of roosters, hens, and hydrangeas using ink and color on silk. Here, hydrangeas, with their clustered blooms, symbolize gratitude and heartfelt emotions, while the rooster is an emblem of courage and reliability. Across cultures, the rooster's crow heralds the dawn, reminiscent of the cyclical rebirth found in ancient sun worship. Think of Mithras, the Roman deity, whose image often includes a rooster, linking the bird to notions of renewal and strength. In ancient Greece, the rooster was associated with Ares, the god of war, embodying the spirit of vigilance. Consider how this symbolism transcends time; the rooster's spirited call is a potent symbol in folklore and mythology, reminding us of the psychological resonance of images that endure and evolve through collective memory.