Seimeisanka-Junmeiouka by Soyoko Shikama

One of Soyoko Shikama’s important works, titled “Seimeisanka-Junmeiouka”. She won grand prize with this amazing work in SAKURA Exhibition 2010. As the title implies, this work consists of two works.

“The title of the work on the left is Seimeisanka. The motif of the character is cock, an adult male chicken. Dressed in full armor, he fights at the risk of his life and dies for his progeny, leaving bracing and loud crow. The title of the work on the right is Junmeiouka. The motif of the character is hen, an adult female chicken. Sits on eggs, gently holds children in her arms, brings up her progeny, sings and chirps and joins lives that are going in circle of reincarnation. Over these two characters you can see cherry blossoms that are scattered but blooms in every spring, suggesting these two characters. The background pattern expresses sunrise, morning sun, sunlight, and aureole as well. I drew this work to express how living was primarily beautiful and splendid. And also, I wanted to represent the splendor of Japan, because I loved Japan so much” – Reprinted from article written by Soyoko Shikama, translated by Noriyuki Nakagami.