We still don't know the true meaning or purpose behind the earliest examples of artworks depicting animals.
The beasts in prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux, southwestern France, for example, have been speculated to be shamanistic symbols, simple artistic expressions and even a star chart. Whatever their purpose, however, those images of vigorous animals — depicted in flowing brushstrokes — do indicate that there was a strong relationship between people and animals. And that relationship persists to this day.
"Creatures' Paradise," at the Kyoto National Museum, focuses specifically on works from the museum's collection that feature animals. It spans Japan's prehistoric Jomon Period (8000 B.C.-300 B.C.) to the present day and includes depictions of elephants, camels, dogs, cats, rabbits, colorful birds, amphibians, insects and fishes. It also covers mythical creatures, such as dragons and phoenixes.