White Plum Blossoms and Moon 1755

Ito Jakuchu rendered this hanging scroll, White Plum Blossoms and Moon, with ink and color on silk. The plum blossom, a symbol of resilience and renewal, is here set against the backdrop of a full moon, evoking introspection and enlightenment. The moon, a universal symbol, appears in myriad forms across cultures—from the lunar goddesses of ancient Greece to its prominence in Chinese poetry and art. It’s not merely a celestial body but a mirror reflecting our deepest emotions. Here, Jakuchu’s moon invites a dialogue with our subconscious, resonating with a longing for purity and tranquility. Consider how the motif of the flowering tree, a symbol of rebirth, is reflected in illuminated manuscripts of the medieval period. The continuous reappearance of these symbols demonstrates how the human psyche seeks solace in the cyclical rhythms of nature. Such imagery remains a potent force engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level.