Two egrets in flight 1900 - 1936

Ohara Koson created this woodblock print of two egrets in flight sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The muted grayscale palette and the vertical composition draw the eye upwards, mimicking the egrets' graceful ascent. Notice how the composition is structured around contrasts. The organic, flowing lines of the reeds offset the precise, geometric forms of the birds. The textured background creates depth, while the flat rendering of the egrets emphasizes their symbolic presence over realistic depiction. Koson’s formal approach, with its interplay of line, shape, and texture, reflects the influence of Japonisme on Western art. Consider how this artwork destabilizes the traditional landscape by focusing on the intimate interaction between nature and creatures. Ultimately, the beauty of this print resides in its ability to distill movement, form, and suggestion into a harmonious visual experience.