Ever wondered why bats are frequently represented in East Asian art across different media? During autumn, bats often conjure visions of spooky creatures of the night, blood-sucking vampires, and supernatural forces. But in some cultures, they symbolize something quite different! In this video, we look at a 19th-century harimaze (“mixed paste up” or collage) print by Japanese artist Katsushika Taito II featuring elegant bats swooping down against a crescent moon in a deep blue sky. In East Asian art, bats are a symbol of good fortune and happiness. We explain why this is the case!

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

This video is perfect for anyone interested in:

• East Asian Art

• Japanese Art

• Spooky Season

• Symbols of Good Fortune

• Art History

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to Katsushika Taito’s harimaze print

0:33 What do bats symbolize in East Asian art?

1:25 Symbolism of bats and dragons

Learn more

1. Discover more about Japanese woodblock prints: https://www.artsq.org/techniques/v/what-is-a-woodblock-print?rq=woodblock%20print

2. Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history