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Izanagi and Izanami giving birth to Japan
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Izanagi and Izanami giving birth to Japan
Izanagi and Izanami giving birth to Japan.
circa 1870
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14311273
© Terry Parker / Mary Evans Picture Library
Birth Deities Deity Gods Mythology Waves Izanagi Izanami Kawanabe Myth
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th century print, titled "Izanagi and Izanami Giving Birth to Japan," showcases a pivotal moment in Japanese mythology. The image, created by the renowned Japanese artist Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831-1889), depicts Izanagi and Izanami, the ancient deities, standing in the primordial chaos of the sea and water, as they give birth to the Japanese archipelago. The scene is set against a backdrop of the vast, turbulent ocean, with towering waves crashing against the shore. The sky above is a swirl of vibrant colors, reflecting the divine energy of the moment. Izanagi, the male deity, holds a jewel-encrusted spear, which he uses to create the first islands of Japan. His consort, Izanami, is shown in a graceful, almost serene pose, as she gives birth to the land. The couple's creation story is a central myth in Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan. According to the myth, Izanagi and Izanami emerged from the chaos of the primordial sea, and, through their union, brought forth the islands of Japan, the sun, the moon, and the gods. This myth has been a source of inspiration for generations of Japanese artists, poets, and scholars. This exquisite print, created in the late 1870s, is a testament to the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Japan. Its vibrant colors and dynamic composition transport us to a time when the gods walked among mortals, and the world was still being shaped by the divine forces of nature.
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