Egrets in Snow c. late 18th century

Niwa Kagen painted these "Egrets in Snow" with ink on paper some time in the 18th century. Look at the birds and the delicate scene, emblems of longevity and purity in Japanese art. Notice how these motifs echo across time and cultures. The egret, with its pristine white plumage, appears in ancient Egyptian art as a symbol of purity and grace, often associated with the soul's journey. Similarly, snow, blanketing the landscape, appears in Renaissance paintings as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing and renewal, mirroring the soul's transformation. Consider Caspar David Friedrich's landscapes, where snow-covered peaks evoke a sense of sublime introspection. Perhaps, subconsciously, we're drawn to this familiar imagery because it speaks to our deepest desires for renewal. Just as the egret sheds its old feathers, we, too, seek to purify ourselves and start anew. In this cyclical progression, symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, resonating through the collective consciousness.