Two Ducks Possibly 1920 - 1929

Curator: Right away, I find this so restful. The pale blues, the floating lily pad—it feels like a stolen moment of peace. Editor: This woodblock print is titled "Two Ducks" and was created by Hashiguchi Goyō. The dimensions are approximately 9 3/4 by 15 inches, and it's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Curator: There’s a beautiful stillness to the image, isn't there? And yet, it's not static. The water has movement, a shimmer. Editor: Goyō was deeply invested in the traditional ukiyo-e techniques, but sought to modernize them. You can see his attention to detail in the ducks' plumage. Curator: Oh, absolutely. Look at how he’s captured the light on the water, almost impressionistic in its softness. It’s as though the scene is exhaling. Editor: And I think it's also worth noting the socio-economic context. Prints like these were affordable art, democratizing access to beauty in a way. Curator: That's a wonderful point. It truly brings beauty to our everyday lives. Editor: It is indeed a striking, subtle work. Curator: I will carry the tranquil feeling this image has evoked with me.