According to the Takasago Shrine in Takasago City, Hyōgo Prefecture, there have been “Aioi-no-Matsu” (twin pines: a Japanese red pine and Japanese black pine that share their roots) ever since the Shinto shrine was established. A pair of trees called “Jō” (old man) and “Uba” (old woman) ― a Japanese form of Darby and Joan ― bearing the legend, “We ‘kami’ (gods) reside in these trees to show the world the way of marital virtue,” stand within the shrine. This is why a Takasago painting is often displayed on an auspicious occasion. A Takasago is an old couple with a good relationship.

This is a painting of a Takasago by Suzuki Taikan. A nice old couple is depicted. Regardless of what period or where it is from, this is the ideal image of a married couple. We can witness Suzuki Taikan’s desire for conjugal love from this work.