Roosters and Hens [right of a pair] c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Ito Jakuchu's "Roosters and Hens," which dates back to the 18th century. It's ink on paper, part of a larger pair. What strikes me is the incredibly lifelike depiction, especially considering the limited palette. What do you see in this piece, especially regarding symbolism? Curator: Jakuchu's roosters and hens aren't just barnyard fowl; they are laden with symbolism rooted in Japanese and Chinese cultural memory. Roosters, across East Asia, symbolize vigilance, courage, and good luck, their daily crow a ward against evil. They also stand for the yang principle, the active, masculine force. Now, consider the hens alongside – what might they represent in contrast? Editor: Perhaps the yin, the feminine and passive? The balance, maybe? Curator: Precisely! It's about harmony, isn’t it? Fertility and domesticity are intertwined. Note, too, how Jakuchu meticulously renders each feather, each eye. He captures their essential “chicken-ness,” yes, but on a deeper level he is conjuring their totemic qualities. Think about what it meant, living in 18th century Japan, where the natural world wasn’t something separate from humans, but deeply connected and spiritually charged. The animals and plants possessed power. Does knowing this change how you see it? Editor: It definitely adds a new layer. It’s more than just a painting; it's a representation of universal balance. Curator: And a reminder of how deeply images, even of ordinary things, are woven into the fabric of culture. Editor: I’ll certainly look at roosters differently now.