Egret in the rain
1925 - 1936
Ohara Koson, a master of the shin-hanga (new print) movement, captures a solitary egret enduring a downpour in this striking woodblock print. The bird's fluffy white feathers are rendered with incredible detail, contrasting sharply against the stark, dark background where rain slashes down in thin white lines. You can almost feel the chill as the egret hunches its shoulders, lifting one leg to stay warm. Koson was famous for his lifelike bird studies, and this piece shows exactly why his work was so beloved in both Japan and the West during the early 20th century.
- Technique
- woodblock print