Vroege ochtend 1900 - 1910

Curator: Let’s turn our attention to "Vroege Ochtend," or "Early Morning," a woodblock print created between 1900 and 1910 by Ogata Gekko. It resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: A truly serene vista. The composition immediately strikes me. That soft, pale sun hanging low, and the silhouettes of birds in flight...it evokes such a calm, reflective mood. Curator: Absolutely. And the production process of these Ukiyo-e prints is noteworthy. The labour involved, carving multiple woodblocks for each colour layer, is a craft of incredible skill and patience. Japonisme, the Western fascination with these prints, sparked significant changes in the Western art world. Consider the trade routes and access to materials needed for production... Editor: Looking at it from another perspective, this image contains classical symbolism. Sunrise, of course, often embodies renewal, hope. The birds...they could represent freedom or even act as messengers. Even that island speaks of journeys and adventures to undiscovered landscapes. What a potent, emotionally charged combination! Curator: Yes, and we must consider how mass production and consumption shaped perceptions of Japanese identity and landscapes in the West through images like this. These images, reproduced and distributed widely, played a critical role. Editor: I think you’re spot on! These simple, subtle colors make it quite thought-provoking. All in all, they reflect upon human sentiments such as loneliness, introspection, but, definitely hope and resilience at the same time. Curator: Indeed, "Early Morning," invites us to reflect on its means of production, dissemination, and impact of the Western gaze as it encounters traditional Eastern artistic practice. Editor: Agreed. Considering it's so very subtle but effective, Ogata Gekko has constructed a world with resonant motifs and profound meanings.