Description
I lived and worked in both Tokyo and Kanazawa Japan over a four year period absorbing the culture. Here, I combined nigiri sushi with a mysterious Japanese woman in white with pearls and a gauzy net crown holding a peach with Mount Fuji in the background. She is framed by raw salmon with the roof tips of a temple on the left within the frame and a lantern above with a white paper fan, black kite and rice cakes scattered around. The peach (momo) in her hand symbolizes protection, purification and longevity in Japanese culture. Peaches and peach wood are believed to ward off bad energy and evil spirits. Sacred peach statues at temples are touched and rubbed to cleanse oneself before praying. Momotaro (Peach Boy) is the classic Japanese folktale of a heroic boy born from a giant peach who grows up to defeat wicked ogres and demons. He remains a beloved role model of kindness and bravery for children and adults. To me this is the ultimate Japanese fantasy image.
