In Buddhist art, there is a commonly depicted theme known as kusozu, which consists of nine images showing the decay of a corpse that has been left outdoors until it gradually rots and turns into a skeleton. The corpse is often female. Such paintings, which emphasize the inevitability of decay regardless of any perceived beauty during life were used to dispel confusion amongst monks on their paths to enlightenment. Inspired by such paintings, Matsui Fuyuko made 10 works giving her own interpretation of the transience of life, and death. This is the third in that series. The spring orchid drawn around the woman's body has a distorted shape, and the chrysanthemum flowers bloom like gaping wounds. It's like they are reflecting the decay of the woman’s body. The “ashes” in the title refers to the appearance of scattered bones that decay further and become like ash.
(YATSUYANAGI Sae)
In Buddhist art, there is a commonly depicted theme known as kusozu, which consists of nine images showing the decay of a corpse that has been left outdoors until it gradually rots and turns into a skeleton. The corpse is often female. Such paintings, which emphasize the inevitability of decay regardless of any perceived beauty during life were used to dispel confusion amongst monks on their paths to enlightenment. Inspired by such paintings, Matsui Fuyuko made 10 works giving her own interpretation of the transience of life, and death. This is the third in that series. The spring orchid drawn around the woman's body has a distorted shape, and the chrysanthemum flowers bloom like gaping wounds. It's like they are reflecting the decay of the woman’s body. The “ashes” in the title refers to the appearance of scattered bones that decay further and become like ash.
(YATSUYANAGI Sae)