Politics / Japan
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Passion for insects spans centuries and continentsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Summary
Maria Sibylla Merian, born in Germany in 1647, pioneered insect art and entomology, defying societal norms for women in science. Her dedication to studying insects in the wild and documenting them through detailed paintings established her as a significant figure in the field. Inspired by her work, Shidai Shiyuji, an 80-year-old amateur entomologist from Japan, retraced her journey to South America to connect with her legacy.
Shidai Shiyuji's expedition aimed to document the same insects Merian observed over 300 years ago. His journey included a visit to a museum showcasing Merian's original works, deepening his appreciation for her contributions. During ten days of fieldwork, he successfully collected several species of butterflies and moths that Merian had documented.
Shidai's quest was not just about collecting specimens; it was also a personal journey to understand Merian's passion for nature. He expressed a desire to grasp the essence of Merian's experiences in the tropical environment of Serena. His modern journey, while facilitated by contemporary conveniences, contrasts sharply with the challenges Merian faced.
The narrative highlights the enduring impact of Merian's work on contemporary entomologists and nature enthusiasts. Shidai's efforts to publish a Japanese version of Merian's book and donate it to libraries reflect a commitment to preserving her legacy. His journey serves as a reminder of the timeless allure of nature and the pursuit of knowledge.
Perspectives
short
Support for Merian's Legacy
- Highlights Merians pioneering role in entomology and art
- Celebrates Shidai Shiyujis dedication to documenting Merians work
- Emphasizes the importance of preserving historical contributions to science
- Acknowledges the romanticism in seeking beauty in nature
- Recognizes the ongoing passion for insects and nature
Critique of Modern Comparisons
- Questions the validity of comparing Shidais modern journey to Merians historical context
- Critiques the romanticization of Shidais expedition, overlooking environmental challenges
- Challenges the assumption that modern conveniences equate to similar experiences
- Raises concerns about the impact of climate change on species distribution
Neutral / Shared
- Notes the collection of species during Shidais fieldwork
- Mentions the existence of a museum dedicated to Merians work
- Acknowledges the significance of Shidais publication efforts
Metrics
publication
third edition of Metamorphosis Insectorum Serena Mencium
a rare book acquired by Shidai Shiyuji
This book represents a significant historical contribution to entomology.
Shidai Shiyuji managed to find a copy of the third edition from 1726
distance
100 km
distance to the jungle of Fredberg from the capital
This distance highlights the effort required to explore the region.
about 100 km southwest of the capital
size
10 cm
wingspan of the Menelaia's blue moorfo butterfly
The size of the butterfly is notable in the context of Merian's work.
Menelaia's blue moorfo measures an impressive 10 cm wing tip to wing tip
species_collected
about ten species units
species of butterflies and moths collected
This highlights the ongoing legacy of Merian's work in entomology.
During his ten days of field work, Shidai Shiyu collected about ten species of butterflies and moss that Marion documented all those years ago.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Maria Sibylla Merian was a pioneering figure in insect art and entomology, challenging societal norms for women in science. Inspired by her work, Shidai Shiyuji, an 80-year-old amateur entomologist from Japan, retraced her journey to South America, documenting the insects she observed.
- Maria Sibylla Merian, born in Germany in 1647, was a pioneer in insect art and entomology, defying societal norms for women in science. She devoted herself to studying and painting insects in detail, despite the stigma associated with women in scientific fields
- Inspired by Merians work, Shidai Shiyuji, an 80-year-old amateur entomologist from Japan, has dedicated himself to tracing her journey to South America. His quest led him to acquire a rare third edition of Merians Metamorphosis Insectorum Serena Mencium, published in 1726, which he translated into Japanese and donated to public libraries across Japan
- In August of last year, Shidai Shiyuji embarked on a journey to Serena to document the same insects that Merian had observed over 300 years ago. His expedition was significantly easier than Merians perilous three-month trip, thanks to modern transportation
- During his expedition, Shidai Shiyuji and local researchers initially found only a single butterfly. However, he remained optimistic and ventured into the dense jungle of Fredberg, where he successfully located a beautiful male Menelaias blue moorfo butterfly, a species featured in Merians work
05:00–10:00
Shidai Shiyuji's journey to Serena included a visit to a museum featuring original works by Maria Sibylla Merian. During his ten days of fieldwork, he collected about ten species of butterflies and moths documented by Merian.
- Shidai Shiyujis trip to Serena included a visit to a small museum showcasing artifacts from the colonial age, including original works by Maria Sibylla Merian. Museum owner Bass Speck praised Merians contributions and the significance of Shiyujis journey
- During his ten days of fieldwork, Shidai Shiyuji collected about ten species of butterflies and moths documented by Merian. Most of these specimens are now preserved in the National Zoological Collection of Suriname, continuing Merians legacy
- Shidai Shiyuji reflected on the romantic pursuit of beauty in nature, noting that the desire to find things that move the heart remains unchanged over time
- For those in Tokyo, the Merian exhibition at the Food and Adder Culture Museum is open until the end of March, offering a chance to explore her work