Hokusai completed Hydrangeas and Swallow in 1833. At its completion, Hydrangeas and Swallow was untitled, and part of a large body of work by Hokusai known simply as Large Flowers. Hydrangeas and Swallow is another excellent example of Hokusai's treatment of traditional Japanese natural elements.
This piece, like so many of Hokusai's paintings, has the pure symbolism seen in many Japanese works. Hydrangeas, abundant and indigenous to Asia, represent the natural beauty of Japan. In Japanese folklore, the hydrangea is symbolic of heartfelt emotion as well as representing heartlessness and frigidity. The swallow in Hydrangea and Swallow represents spring, fertility, and good luck. Together, in Hydrangeas and Swallow, they create a symphonic resonance of winter fading and the rebirth of spring.
Like all other Hokusi work, Hydrangeas and Swallow is in the classic ukiyo-e style of woodblock painting.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten
Opmerking: Alleen leden van deze blog kunnen een reactie posten.