Groepen mensen en dieren 1874 - 1897

This woodblock print, depicting groups of people and animals, was created by Adachi Ginkō in Japan during the late 19th century. While the exact date remains unknown, its visual elements offer a glimpse into the cultural symbols of the time. The print likely includes various animals, each carrying its own symbolic weight within Japanese culture. The presence of certain creatures—perhaps a dragon, a tiger, or a crane—would invoke distinct meanings tied to power, courage, or longevity. These motifs are not unique to Japan; similar symbolic animals appear across diverse cultures, from ancient Greek mythology to heraldic emblems in Europe. The persistence of such symbols reflects a deep-seated human tendency to project our aspirations and fears onto the natural world. These symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.