In "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet," David Mitchell explores the transformative power of art and creativity through the metaphor of an ink brush as a "skeleton key." This imagery suggests that writing and drawing can unlock the deepest thoughts and emotions of individuals, much like a key frees a prisoner. The act of creating with an ink brush allows characters to express themselves and gain freedom from their inner confines.

This concept resonates throughout the narrative, highlighting how creative expression can lead to personal liberation and insight. By employing this metaphor, Mitchell emphasizes the importance of storytelling and art as a means of understanding oneself and the world, suggesting that through creativity, individuals can escape their metaphorical prisons and discover their true selves.