Meerkoet tussen blauwe irissen 1892

Matsumura Keibun painted this work, titled 'Meerkoet tussen blauwe irissen,' with ink and color on paper. Here, the moorhen is depicted in tranquility amongst irises, symbols that historically have been associated with protection and purification. The iris, with its sword-like leaves, is seen as warding off evil spirits. Observe how this motif appears in diverse cultures; it has been transposed in ancient Minoan frescoes and medieval European tapestries. The act of a bird preening itself is an archetype of introspection and self-care. It suggests the subconscious need for rejuvenation and harmony with the self. This cultural and emotional resonance of the iris and the moorhen resurfaces, echoing through time, and attests to the enduring power of symbols across epochs.