Pine Trees, from the series "Tosa Diary for the Shofudai, Hisakataya, and Bunbunsha (Shofudai Hisakataya Bunbunsha Tosa nikki)" c. early 19th century

Kubo Shunman created this woodblock print, titled "Pine Trees," part of the series "Tosa Diary," which now resides in the Art Institute of Chicago. The dominant visual symbols are, of course, the pine trees themselves, emblems of longevity and steadfastness in Japanese culture. These trees, with their roots clinging tenaciously to the earth, evoke a sense of resilience. We can see this same motif echoed in other artworks across time. Think of ancient Roman sculptures depicting gnarled oaks, or even the Tree of Life found in myriad cultures—the symbolism remains consistent: a testament to endurance. But here, the added presence of birds—messengers of the divine—suggests a bridge between earthly existence and the spiritual realm. They act as potent reminders of humanity's connection to something greater, tapping into our collective unconscious, reminding us that life’s journey, like the flight of a bird, is cyclical.