Little egret.

Ohara Koson

1900 - 1930

Little egret. by Ohara Koson, 1900 - 1930

Ohara Koson was the absolute master of bird prints, and this poised egret is a perfect example of his genius. Notice how the stark white of the bird's feathers pops against the soft, misty grey background—a hallmark of the Shin-hanga (new prints) movement which blended traditional Japanese techniques with Western realism. Koson designed over 400 bird and flower prints, many of which were exported to the US and Europe, making him a huge hit in the West during the early 20th century. The bird looks so elegant yet ready to strike, capturing that split second of nature's patience perfectly.

Technique
Woodblock print
Material
Paper
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