Sparrow 1900 - 1930

Ohara Koson's "Sparrow" presents us with a little moment of zen, rendered with woodblock printing techniques. Look at the careful way the colors blend, soft blues and browns, all so muted. The process here isn’t about hiding the hand but about revealing it. You can sense the artist’s deliberate carving and layering. The surface has this beautiful, almost fabric-like quality. I love how the sparrow itself is built from these tiny, feathery marks. Each one distinct, yet together they create a soft, textured form. It's not about perfect realism but about capturing the essence of the bird – its lightness, its curiosity, its momentary perch. I’m reminded of some of Hiroshige's prints, particularly in the way Koson captures the atmosphere with such simple means. This piece feels like a gentle invitation, a reminder that art can be about quiet observation and the beauty of imperfection.