Morigasaki Coast c. 1928 - 1930

Tsuchiya Koitsu made this print of Morigasaki Coast, using woodblock printing to build up the colour in layers. This is a patient, considered approach, the opposite of my own, yet I'm drawn to the stillness achieved. Look at the shimmering surface of the water, the way Koitsu captures the reflection of the moon’s glow, the way he uses subtle gradations of blue to suggest depth and atmosphere. The whole image is built up from these soft touches. The texture is smooth and subtle, but it’s the way Koitsu uses the medium to conjure light that really gets me. The tiny lamp in the boat throws a splash of warmth. This piece is a reminder of the power of restraint, of the beauty that can be found in quiet observation. Koitsu’s other prints often depict similar scenes of Japanese landscapes, and you can see echoes of Hiroshige in his work. What I appreciate is the way these artists slow you down, inviting you to pause, breathe, and really look. It’s a welcome change from the noisy world.