Twee vogels vliegend bij blauwe winde 1892

Matsumura Keibun created this print, "Two Birds Flying by Blue Bindweed," in the 19th century. Keibun, who lived during the Edo and early Meiji periods, was deeply influenced by the naturalism of Maruyama Okyo, but developed his own style of painting. Here, we see two birds in flight, intertwined with vibrant blue bindweed. This artwork invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between freedom and constraint, as represented by the birds in relation to the natural elements. The choice of birds as the central subject may symbolize a longing for liberation, or evoke emotional connections between nature, personal identity, and the transience of life. This piece gently disrupts traditional representations, intertwining personal experiences of the world with broader cultural and social commentary. It encourages us to find beauty in simplicity.