Long-tailed Rooster c. 19th century

Shibata Zeshin rendered this exquisite Long-tailed Rooster in ink and color on silk. The rooster, perched on a blossoming branch, is a potent symbol, deeply rooted in cultural memory. The rooster has long been associated with courage, good luck, and vigilance, harking back to ancient beliefs where its crowing heralded the sun’s triumph over darkness. The rooster is not just a symbol of the morning; it embodies the spirit of renewal and the eternal cycle of time, akin to the cyclical patterns we see mirrored across cultures. Its tail, cascading down with an almost unnatural length, captures the eye and imagination. This depiction echoes through time, reminiscent of the grand, ornamental displays in Renaissance art. The elongation, seen here in the rooster’s tail, is similarly found in the Mannerist style, with its emphasis on grace and stylized forms. The motif has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.