Bird of Pray
The central figure in this sculpture appears to be a crane. Cranes are known in many ancient and modern cultures as symbols of longevity, prosperity, and spiritual insight. Our own Sandhill Crane (pictured below) is one of the oldest surviving bird species, with fossils dating back over two million years and some scientists speculating up to six million.
Especially in Japan, the crane is honored as a national treasure and, because they were thought to live for a thousand years, seen as a symbol of longevity. The crane has also become a popular focus of Japanese origami art. An ancient Japanese legend promises that when you fold a thousand origami cranes, the sacred crane will grant you a wish.
More recently, the origami crane became a symbol of peace, hope, and healing during challenging times, due to the post-World War II story of Sadako Sasaki. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 12 due to radiation exposure after the bombing of Hiroshima, she became determined to fold 1,000 cranes in hope of recovery and a world of eternal peace.
Although she was only able to fold 644 cranes before she died, her classmates folded the remaining 356 in her honor and as a testimony of loyalty to hope for a better future with no more Hiroshimas. Today, several groups are folding 1,000 Cranes for Peace in Ukraine and praying Russia will not use nuclear bombs there.
The name of the November Sculpture of the Month, Bird of Pray, plays on this theme. Unlike birds of prey that symbolize war and conflict, the crane represents an inspiration toward harmony, balance, and peace.
The sculpture also has a yin yang-like color scheme, with both a dark and a light side, suggesting balance and integration as a means beyond conflict. Against this backdrop, the crane appears to be listening deeply, suggesting that truly listening to others and being willing to understand them can lead us through discord.
In these times of both national and international conflict, which may threaten the survival of our nation and maybe even our species, this sculpture seems to encourage us to embrace the ancient message of the crane for guidance: Let’s all pray for and aspire to a world of longevity, prosperity, and peace.
