'Birds and Flowers 1, one of two six-panel screens by Kano Koi, 17th century Japan, Honolu
"What does a painting that is completed only when two screens form a pair tell us?"
📝ONGO's Reflection
This is one of a pair of bird-and-flower screens painted by Kano Koi of Japan's Kano school. On a gold-leaf ground, flowers and birds spread brilliantly, yet this screen was made for two to form a pair and complete one scene. Alone, it is but a half. In this pair I see the condition of wholeness. Some things are not brought to completion in themselves and fulfill their meaning only when another is set across from them. My own lack may be not a flaw but an empty place left to form a pair with someone. Only when one knows oneself a half does one recognize the pair that will fill it.
🌱Apply It Today
Rather than trying to be complete alone, look for where the pair that will fill you might be.
