Kumagai Naozane and Taira no Atsumori c. 1710s - 1720s

This woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu depicts the climactic moment of Kumagai Naozane’s battle with Taira no Atsumori. The juxtaposition of the seasoned warrior, Naozane, towering over the youthful Atsumori, captures a poignant intersection of duty and humanity. Note the waves in the background. Water, in its myriad forms, has long symbolized the ceaseless flow of time and the cyclical nature of existence. Think of ancient Greek depictions of Oceanus, the titan god of the great, all-encircling river of the world, or even baptismal rites, where water signifies rebirth. The image’s emotional core resonates deeply, tapping into our collective understanding of sacrifice, valor, and the ephemeral nature of life, connecting ancient and modern viewers alike through shared human experiences. Thus, the motif of the wave, present here, transcends its literal depiction to become a profound symbol, echoing through history and engaging our subconscious understanding of life's transient beauty.