“An artist, like the pelican that is said to nourish its young with its own blood, redeems the existence of their work with their own blood.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
- He became a representative figure of postwar Japanese literature, and was highly acclaimed both at home and abroad. He pursued his own unique aesthetic with themes of beauty and death, and ultimately committed seppuku at a Self-Defense Forces garrison. His life, which combined literature with action, continues to have a strong influence today.
Japanese
「芸術家は、ペリカンが自分の血で子を養うと云われるように、自分の血で作品の存在性をあがなう」
English
“An artist, like the pelican that is said to nourish its young with its own blood, redeems the existence of their work with their own blood.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima draws a powerful parallel between the artist and the pelican, which is mythologically believed to nourish its young by feeding them its own blood. Mishima uses this image to suggest that the artist, in the process of creating, sacrifices themselves, offering their own vitality, spirit, and life force in the creation of their work. Just as the pelican is said to give its own blood to sustain its offspring, the artist sacrifices a part of themselves to bring their work into existence, ensuring its authenticity and value. The artist’s blood, in this metaphor, represents their emotional energy, personal struggles, and the deep commitment they invest in their craft—everything that makes the work not just a product, but a reflection of the artist’s inner life.
This statement reflects Mishima’s understanding of the intimate bond between the artist and their work. For Mishima, art is not a detached or mechanical process but one that requires the artist to pour themselves into the creation—emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. The concept of the artist redeeming their work through sacrifice points to the idea that true artistic expression comes from a place of vulnerability and sacrifice, and it is through this sacrifice that the artist’s work achieves its full potential. Mishima’s use of the pelican myth suggests that the artist’s sacrifice is not only necessary but noble, as it ensures that the work is not empty or superficial, but instead contains the essence of the artist’s soul.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to the emotional labor and personal commitment required in the creative process today. Many contemporary artists still experience their work as something that demands immense personal investment, sometimes to the point of emotional exhaustion or self-sacrifice. This notion of the artist redeeming their work with their own blood serves as a reminder that authentic art often emerges from pain, struggle, and deep personal investment, rather than from superficial or commercial motivations. Mishima’s words encourage us to recognize that behind every genuine creation, there is often an artist who has poured not just their technical skill, but their very essence—their life force—into the work, giving it meaning and depth.
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