Pheasant/Three men with umbrellas 

This print by Shibata Zeshin juxtaposes the image of a lifeless pheasant with that of three figures sheltering under umbrellas. The pheasant here, beautiful yet inert, makes one think of the vanitas tradition in European painting, a reminder of mortality and the ephemeral nature of life. Observe how the umbrellas, simple canopies, offer not just protection from the rain, but also a symbolic shelter. They subtly echo images of the Madonna of Mercy, where the Virgin extends her cloak to protect the faithful. These are not holy figures, yet the umbrellas grant them a similar kind of protection. This recalls images of divine grace, and illustrates the emotional and psychological connection we humans have with symbols of protection. Consider, too, the cyclical nature of these motifs. The pheasant, a symbol of mortality, gives way to the protection offered by the umbrellas, an allusion to hope. In this non-linear progression, Zeshin connects themes of mortality and protection, echoing throughout artistic history, and reminding us of the complex interplay between life, death, and the search for solace.