Moorhens and iris
1925 - 1936
Ohara Koson was a master of kacho-e, the Japanese genre of bird-and-flower prints, and this piece shows exactly why. Two grumpy-looking moorhens with bright red beaks wade through a serene pond, seemingly unaware of the massive, vibrant purple iris looming above them. Created during the shin-hanga (new print) movement in the early 20th century, Koson blended traditional woodblock techniques with a naturalistic attention to the birds' anatomy. It's a perfect snapshot of nature's quiet drama, where the delicate flower and the chunky, awkward birds create a charming contrast.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
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