elephant, pattern after, imitate, image, shape, sign (of the times)
象 centers on the idea of a visible form or likeness: an elephant as a distinct shape, an image, or the act of patterning after something. The 'sign of the times' sense extends this to a symbolic shape that represents an era.
象 is a pictograph of an elephant, with the modern form retaining a stylized trunk, head, body, and tail. The extended meanings of image, shape, and imitation likely developed from the idea of an elephant as a distinctive, recognizable form.
The top part suggests the elephant's trunk and head, the middle box its body, and the lower strokes its legs and tail. Picture an elephant standing clearly, its shape easy to recognize and imitate.
For ショウ, imagine a show elephant performing tricks: show -> ショウ, and the elephant's shape is the star of the show.
target; object (of worship, study, etc.); subject (of taxation, etc.); coverage
impression
phenomenon
symbol (of something abstract); emblem; (symbolic) representation
weather (conditions)
elephant (Elephantidae spp.)
form; shape; figure; appearance; phenomenon
event; phenomenon; matter
abstraction
(Japanese) Meteorological Agency; JMA
ivory
meteorological observatory
mental image; mental picture; image
Impressionists
deeply impressive; memorable; striking
all things in nature; the whole creation
symbol (of); emblem
all creation; all nature; all the universe
hieroglyphics
walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)