Twee reigers in de regen 1900 - 1910

Ohara Koson made this woodblock print of two herons in the rain sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The subtle gradations of tone and intricate lines were achieved through a meticulous process. First, the design would have been drawn, then transferred to a series of woodblocks—one for each color. Skilled artisans would then carve away the areas that should remain blank, leaving raised surfaces to hold the ink. Finally, the image would be printed by hand, with each block carefully aligned to layer colors and create the final composition. The visual effect is one of delicate realism, but the print also speaks to a highly developed system of craft production. In Koson’s time, many Japanese artists were creating prints for export, catering to Western tastes for Japonisme. The prints were relatively inexpensive and widely available, creating a new market for art that blurred the lines between individual expression and commercial enterprise. This print invites us to consider the relationship between artistic vision, skilled labor, and global exchange.