How bats were depicted in ancient Japan and medieval Europe

Depictions of bats in the art of medieval Europe and ancient Japan clearly demonstrate how differently different cultures perceived this same animal.

In European medieval manuscripts, bats were often depicted as sinister, even fantastical creatures. Artists often depicted them with exaggerated features, making them look more like mythical monsters than real animals.

In Japanese art, by contrast, bats were typically depicted more naturally and gracefully.