Hamano Naoyuki (直随) – Jurōjin and the Dragon?
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for your thoughts on the symbolic pairing of this signed Hamano Naoyuki fuchi-kashira.
The Motifs:
* Fuchi: An elder with a ceremonial fan (uchiwa) accompanied by two karako.
* Kashira: A dragon (ryū) emerging from dense clouds.
Specific Questions:
* Identity: Based on the uchiwa and the children, do you believe this is Jurōjin (God of Longevity)? He is often seen with a crane or deer, but the fan and the interaction with the karako are notable here. Could it be a specific Sennin (Immortal) instead?
* The Dragon’s Role: How do you interpret the dragon on the kashira in relation to the scholarly scene on the fuchi? Is this a classic “Heaven and Earth” (Ten-Chi) arrangement, or is there a specific Taoist narrative linking this figure to the dragon?
Given Naoyuki’s expressive “painterly” style, I’m curious if this combination points to a specific legend or is simply a thematic pairing of protection and wisdom. Looking forward to your insights!