Gezicht op Takaboko-shima en de haven van Nagasaki c. 1895 - 1905

This photograph of Takaboko-shima and the harbor of Nagasaki was captured by Kōzaburō Tamamura. Here we see the recurring motif of the landscape as a mirror to the soul, a concept deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy. The composition, with its tranquil waters and verdant hills, invites us to contemplate the harmony between nature and humanity. The image echoes across time, resonating with the ancient Chinese Shanshui paintings, where mountains and water symbolize the interconnectedness of Yin and Yang, reflecting the inner equilibrium sought by the enlightened. Consider the way the serene harbor evokes a sense of peace, a visual representation of the psychological quest for tranquility. This pursuit of inner peace has been a recurring theme throughout art history. This image speaks to the cyclical nature of symbols, their capacity to resurface and adapt, carrying echoes of the past into the present.