Goose 1900 - 1930

This is Ohara Koson's woodblock print of a goose against the moonlit sky. Koson was a prominent figure in the Shin-Hanga movement in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of significant cultural change. The Shin-Hanga style sought to revive traditional Japanese art forms by incorporating Western influences, reflecting a moment when Japan was redefining its identity in the face of global interactions. Koson, like many artists of his time, navigated the complexities of cultural exchange. The choice of a goose is notable: birds in flight often symbolize freedom and transition. This work perhaps reflects the artist's personal negotiation between honoring tradition and embracing new perspectives. With its blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics, this print beautifully encapsulates a pivotal era of cultural reinvention.