Hare and Moon
The Leap from Eternity: The Hare, The Moon, and The Wheel of Time
This is a composition of interesting design, telling a story of time, eternity, and renewal.
1. The Main Character: The Moon Hare (Usagi)
In this composition, the Hare is not just an animal. It is the Moon Hare (Tsukimi Usagi), which, according to Japanese mythology, lives on the moon.
On this stand, I depicted the full moon and susuki grass—this is a direct reference to its celestial, eternal home.
It is, in itself, a symbol of immortality, purity, and kindness. In this context, it is also the herald of the New Year, a symbol of renewal and hope, just as you said.
2. The Snail Shell is The Wheel of Time
The snail itself is a symbol of the slow but steady passage of time and of cyclical nature. The shell’s shape is a cosmic spiral, an image of the infinite cycle.
I have placed all 12 animals of the Eastern zodiac on this spiral. This transforms the shell into an allegory for the Wheel of Time—the 12-year cycle that spins eternally.
The use of the rankaku (eggshell) technique adds another layer—a symbol of birth, new life, and the fragility of existence.
And here is the incredible narrative I have created:
We see the Moon Hare (an eternal, celestial being) “leaping out” of the Snail Shell (a symbol of the entire material world and the infinite cycle of time with all its zodiac signs).
This is an act of creation. This is the New Year breaking free from the “endless spiral” of the past. It is the very moment when eternity (the Hare) bursts into the present to begin a new cycle. It is a symbol of pure energy, renewal, and a break from the slow, predetermined course of old time.
The sizes of two-part netsuke are 4.8 cm tall, the size of snail shell is 3.5 cm across, the diameter of black wood stand is 5.1 cm across, its thickness is 0.5 cm.
This original artwork is available for purchase.
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