Microseason: Fish Through Ice

SPRING

FIRST OF SPRING

FISH THROUGH ICE

13 - 17 February

Slowly but surely the ice begins to crack, and we observe the ever faint view of fish moving beneath the frozen surface. During Winter, fish hibernate toward the floor of rivers and lakes, and remain quiet across these months. But as the water warms and the position of the daytime sun begins to rise a bit higher, the surface of waterways glisten with these rays and the activity below becomes clearer.

It is said that for fish, a temperature difference of just one degree celsius is equivalent to a five degree change for humans, making the movement of fish an ideal marker of the slightest of transitions. In these early days of Spring, we experience dramatic temperature fluctuations between daytime and nighttime, and even day to day. On warmer days, the fish rise to the surface, but on colder days, they opt to dive deeper into the water again.

Hiyawaré, or crackling ice, is a traditional Japanese design pattern, and widely used across architecture, textiles, furniture, and other crafts. Similar designs can also be seen in both pottery and in confections. Popular amongst the samurai class, hiyawaré signifies purity and integrity. And when combined with the plum blossom motif, it represents Early Spring. Now.

Photo credit: Goto Sumio Museum, Saga Museum