Quiet Couple 1959

"Quiet Couple" (1959) is a woodblock print by Japanese artist Kaoru Kawano (1916-1965), showcasing two birds in a close-up composition. The work employs a bold, graphic style with a limited color palette, using blacks, blues, and greens against a silver and green background. The abstracted forms of the birds and the textured, almost abstract background create a sense of intimacy and quietude. The print is a beautiful example of Kawano's unique and expressive style, which blended traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with contemporary sensibilities.