Two Gallinules 

Ohara Koson created "Two Gallinules", a woodblock print, during a period when Japan was modernizing, opening up to the West, and also grappling with its own national identity. The prints of Koson gained popularity both in Japan and abroad, particularly in the United States. His work reveals a fusion of traditional Japanese art with Western naturalism. The two gallinules, rendered with delicate lines and subtle gradations of color, stand amidst reeds, their presence evoking a sense of quietude. Koson's prints captured the beauty of the natural world, a theme that resonated with both Japanese and Western audiences, inviting viewers into a space of contemplation. These images played a crucial role in shaping perceptions and celebrating the natural world, fostering a sense of national pride and cultural identity. Koson is quoted as saying, "I strive to capture not just the appearance of the birds but their spirit, their essence." The work gently suggests the quiet observation of nature as a space of introspection, reflection, and perhaps even resistance in a rapidly changing world.