Irises 1925 - 1936

Ohara Koson created this woodblock print, "Irises," capturing these striking blue flowers that rise gracefully from their green stems. In Japanese art, the iris, or "kakitsubata," is more than just a pretty bloom. It's a powerful emblem often linked to the Tango no Sekku festival, a celebration of boys and strength, embodying courage and protection. Yet, let us consider how floral symbols transcend cultural boundaries. The iris reminds me of the fleur-de-lis, a stylized lily, that became the symbol of French royalty. Notice the visual echo? Both evoke a sense of nobility and divine connection, yet one speaks of Japanese valor, and the other, of French kings. The cultural memory embedded in these flowers is palpable. Koson's irises stir something primal within us – a connection to nature, to the cycle of life and death, and to the cultural narratives we inherit and reshape. It is a non-linear journey, where symbols resurface and evolve, carrying the weight of history with each delicate petal.