In Japanese art and culture, peafowls (孔雀)—and particularly peacocks—stand as dazzling symbols of beauty, nobility, and auspiciousness. Their striking plumage and regal demeanor have captivated artists for centuries. Although these majestic birds are not native to Japan, they were introduced from India and China, where they also hold significant cultural and religious symbolism. Over time, peacocks became intertwined with Japanese aesthetics, appearing in paintings, textiles, and decorative arts.
The Taishō period (1912–1926) witnessed an evolution in Japanese art, blending traditional techniques with modern influences. This fusion is evident in “Peacocks and Cherry Blossoms,” a pair of Japanese screens by Imazu Tatsuyuki. Completed in 1925, the artwork captures a breathtaking scene that symbolizes both the enduring elegance of nature and deeper cultural ideals.
The Symbolism of Peacocks in Japanese Culture
In Japan, peacocks are more than just beautiful birds. They carry profound spiritual and cultural meanings. The association of peacocks with Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, plays a central role in their symbolism. According to Buddhist beliefs, the peacock’s ability to consume poisonous plants without harm represents the transformative power of compassion to purify negativity. When paired with Kannon, the peacock becomes a guardian against evil and a symbol of good health.
Peacocks also embody nobility and refinement. Their vibrant plumage, often compared to jewels, has long been a metaphor for beauty and splendor. In traditional Japanese art, the display of a peacock’s feathers often conveys grandeur and majesty. However, there is also an element of balance. The peahen, with her more subdued coloring, symbolizes humility and grace. Together, the peacock and peahen form a harmonious partnership that reflects the duality of life.
Cherry Blossoms: Ephemeral Beauty
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are perhaps the most iconic symbols in Japanese art and culture. Known for their fleeting bloom, they represent the impermanence of life. This idea resonates deeply in Japanese philosophy, particularly in Buddhism. The beauty of sakura lies in their transience, reminding us to cherish the present moment.
Artists often pair cherry blossoms with other symbols to amplify their meaning. In “Peacocks and Cherry Blossoms,” the blossoms enhance the sense of fleeting beauty. They contrast with the enduring elegance of the peacock, creating a poignant reminder of life’s delicate balance between the transient and the eternal.
Here are 20 fine examples of cherry blossoms in Japanese art.
Peacocks and Cherry Blossoms: A Masterpiece by Imazu Tatsuyuki
Imazu Tatsuyuki’s “Peacocks and Cherry Blossoms” is a remarkable example of Nihonga, or Japanese-style painting. Nihonga emerged as a response to the increasing influence of Western art during the Meiji and Taishō periods. It sought to preserve traditional Japanese techniques while incorporating modern sensibilities. Tatsuyuki, a prominent artist of his time, excelled in this genre by marrying meticulous craftsmanship with a fresh perspective.
This pair of folding screens (also known as Byōbu 屏風), completed around 1925, showcases Tatsuyuki’s mastery of detail and composition. The right screen features a male peacock perched on a cherry tree, its dazzling tail feathers cascading downward. The intricate patterns of the feathers, rendered with mineral pigments, create a sense of depth and movement. Each feather’s iridescent colors seem to shimmer, reflecting Tatsuyuki’s keen observation and skill.
On the left screen, a peahen gazes upward toward her companion, exuding quiet grace. The placement of the peahen creates a dynamic interplay between the two birds, emphasizing their connection. The background—a gold-leaf surface—adds a luminous quality, enhancing the overall elegance of the scene.
The cherry blossoms are equally captivating. Each bloom is meticulously painted in soft shades of pink and white, capturing the delicate texture of petals. The branches, rendered in earthy tones, provide a strong visual anchor. Together, these elements create a composition that feels both vibrant and serene.
Period: Taishō period (1912–26)
Date: ca. 1925
Medium: Two-panel folding screen; ink, color, gold, and silver on paper
Dimensions: 80 1/8 × 72 13/16 in. (203.5 × 185 cm)
Significant Ukiyo-e Art Featuring Peacocks
Peacocks have inspired many ukiyo-e artists, resulting in some of the most exquisite prints. Here are a few notable examples. Curiously, note how all of these examples have a less common long portrait format to highlight the peacock’s shape.
Peacock and Peonies” by Utagawa Hiroshige
Created in the early 1800’s this ukiyo-e depicts a majestic peacock standing amidst blooming peonies. The intricate details of the bird’s plumage and the vibrant flowers reflect Hiroshige’s mastery of both composition and nature study. The pairing of peonies and peacocks symbolizes prosperity and nobility.
Peacock Displaying His Plumage by Nishimura Shigenaga
Probably the earliest example in this list, this ukiyo-e created by Nishimura Shigenaga from the early 1700’s shows his distinctive monotone style. Some of the color technique’s of ukiyo-e had not been developed in his time.
Peacock Hiding Behind a Rock and Flowering Peonies by Utagawa Hiroshige
Another great example by the ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige combines the beauty of peonies and peacocks. We can see how the ukiyo-e style has developed with a larger color palette and techniques to print gradients.
Peacock by Ito Sozan
This is beautiful woodblock illustration of a peacock by Ito Sozan who was known for his Shin-Hanga “birds and flowers’ prints in collaboration with publisher Watanabe Shozaburo in the early 1900s.
Peacock and Peahen on Branch by Ohara Koson
After Ito Sozan’s collaboration with Watanabe, from 1926 it was Ohara Koson who produced a large number of kacho-e (images of birds and flowers). In this example, Koson displays his skill in the depiction of wildlife with a Peacock and Peahen on a tree branch.
These masterpieces highlight the versatility of peacocks in ukiyo-e, emphasizing their beauty and symbolic depth. Discover more ukiyo-e prints featuring peacocks on ukiyo-e.org.
Imazu Tatsuyuki: A Visionary Artist
Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Imazu Tatsuyuki made significant contributions to Nihonga during the Taishō period. His work reflects a deep respect for traditional Japanese art while embracing the changing times. Tatsuyuki’s attention to detail and his ability to evoke emotion through composition set him apart.
“Peacocks and Cherry Blossoms” exemplifies Tatsuyuki’s artistic philosophy. He combined meticulous techniques, such as layering mineral pigments, with a sensitivity to natural beauty. His choice of subjects—peacocks and cherry blossoms—reveals his appreciation for both aesthetic and symbolic depth. This pairing not only celebrates nature but also invites viewers to reflect on themes of beauty, impermanence, and harmony.
The Enduring Appeal of Peacocks in Japanese Art
Peacocks continue to inspire Japanese artists and admirers worldwide. Their vibrant beauty and rich symbolism make them timeless subjects. In contemporary Japanese art, peacocks often appear in innovative ways, blending traditional motifs with modern interpretations. Whether depicted in woodblock prints, ceramics, or textiles, these birds retain their allure.
For collectors and art enthusiasts, works like “Peacocks and Cherry Blossoms” offer a glimpse into a bygone era of artistic excellence. The screens embody the spirit of the Taishō period, a time of cultural transformation and artistic innovation. They remind us of the enduring power of art to bridge the past and present.
Conclusion
Peacocks and Cherry Blossoms by Imazu Tatsuyuki is more than just a beautiful work of art. It is a testament to the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, where nature, symbolism, and craftsmanship converge. Through his masterful depiction of peacocks and cherry blossoms, Tatsuyuki invites us to ponder the fleeting yet profound moments in life.
As admirers of Japanese art, we can find inspiration in the harmony and balance that works like this embody. They remind us of the beauty that surrounds us, even in the most ephemeral of moments. Whether through the shimmering feathers of a peacock or the delicate petals of a cherry blossom, Japanese art continues to captivate and inspire, offering a timeless celebration of life’s wonders.
Read more:
- The Symbolism of Wildly Popular Japanese Woodblock Art
- Why This Book is the Ultimate Guide to Hiroshige’s Prints
- Tenmyouya Hisashi: Reviving Tradition with Neo-Nihonga
- 11 Essential Tips to Transform Your Home with Art
- What You Should Know About Uchiwa-e: Japanese Fan Art
At the Art of Zen we have a selection of original Japanese art prints in the ukiyo-e and Japandi style. Some of our best selling work is Mount Fuji wall art and Japandi wall art.
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