I've embarked on a painting of the Triple Hares - well it will be a painting - it's obviously a sketch at the moment. I'll explain what the painting is for when I've finished it.
The Triple Hares (sometimes called Tinner's Hares) is an ancient symbol of three hares or rabbits running in a circle and joined by their ears which form a triangle at the centre of the design. The symbol is a puzzle for each creature appears to have two ears yet, between them, they share only three ears.
The motif is an extraordinary and ancient archetype, stretching across diverse religions and cultures, many centuries and many thousands of miles. It is part of the shared medieval heritage of Europe and Asia (Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism) yet still inspires creative work among contemporary artists.
Like the Green Man appers often on medieval church bosses and the that kind of thing. But no-one knows quite what it means...
There's a fantastic article about the subject covering the symbolism of rabbits and hares by Terri Windling at Endicott Studio.
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I love this symbol too. and you've done a great job of drawing it. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you Deborah! I hope you like the finished painting too!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the finished painting!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it Ged.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I didn't know a fraction of the lore and legend behind the hare! Thank you for sharing the link:) I will have to go re-read it to digest more, but had to come thank you for sharing Charlie! I must get that Frost Dancers book, as I adore Watership Down!! Your drawing is so gorgeous! xoxoxxo Big hugs
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