Family of Cranes, second half 19th century, Watanabe Sh?ka, Japanese, 1835 - 1887, 35 5/16 ¡Ñ 13 9/16 in. (89.69 ¡Ñ 34.45 cm) (image), Ink and color on silk, Japan, 19th century, In addition to their role as symbols of longevity and vehicles for immortals, cranes, which mate for life, are also emblematic of familial loyalty. In this autumnal scene, a family of cranes gathers near parched reeds and reddening ivy.