Large Landscape Possibly 1785 - 1788

Niwa Kagen painted this landscape with ink on paper in the 18th century. The mountain is the dominant visual symbol, laden with complex, shifting meanings deeply rooted in cultural memory. The mountain motif, a recurring image throughout art history, often symbolizes the convergence of the earthly and divine realms. Think of Mount Olympus, the home of the gods in Greek mythology. It also appears in Chinese Shanshui paintings as a sacred place. The mountain is also a symbol of stability, strength, and endurance. Yet, it is in constant transformation, weathering and eroding through time. This dual existence mirrors our own human experience, a constant negotiation between permanence and impermanence. It's a landscape that invites contemplation on the transient nature of life and our deep, subconscious yearning for stability.