95. Katsushika Hokusai, Untitled
In one story, there is an artist who loves fish, caring for them and painting pictures of them. One day, a giant koi—symbol of good fortune—takes him on an adventure through the great waterways of heaven to visit the Dragon King of the Sea. The artist is given a scroll illustrating the principle of fundamental respect for life, and he returns with this message: protect the lives of all living things. Do not kill fish—or rather, do not kill good fortune through self-defeating ways. The greatest adventure, the great ride, results only from gentleness and open-hearted love.
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This post is part of MFAH 100, a series featuring works from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in honor of its 100th birthday. 100 words on 100 works in 100 days.
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Excellent and lovely as we contemplate the New Year approaching....Thank you