Hen and rooster 1900 - 1936

Ohara Koson made this woodblock print of a hen and rooster sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. The textures! Look how the grey wash of the rooster’s feathers creates a sense of depth, layering different tones and textures to build form. I love the way the grey of the rooster contrasts with the white of the hen. See how both birds are built up of many small marks, an almost pointillist effect achieved through the woodblock process. The tail feathers of the rooster are particularly beautiful, curving in swooping shapes. It’s amazing to think about the tools used to make this print and how each mark is really a kind of sculpture made in the block. Koson was very interested in depicting birds and animals, and you can see a similar attention to detail in his other prints of wildlife, where he captures the essence and movement of his subjects. This piece is a beautiful example of how art can be both representational and abstract, capturing the essence of the birds while also being a beautiful pattern of color and texture.