Vogels en vlinders- deel één 1906

Editor: Here we have "Vogels en vlinders- deel één," or "Birds and butterflies - part one," a woodblock print by Furuya Kōrin, dating back to 1906. The muted blues and simple imagery give it such a peaceful feel. I find the limited palette almost meditative. What do you see in this piece, something that maybe I’m missing? Curator: Ah, yes! It reminds me a bit of looking up at twilight, right when the birds are heading home and the moths begin to flutter about. Kōrin plays with this delicate balance, doesn't he? The print feels incredibly still, yet the implied movement of the birds and butterflies animates the scene. Notice the almost geometric shapes composing each creature? Do you think that adds to the calmness, or something else? Editor: That's a good point. I do think the stylization contributes to the sense of calm. Perhaps it’s also the flat perspective typical of Ukiyo-e prints that does it? It feels so different than Western art of that time. Curator: Absolutely! That flattening and simplification – paring down the world to its elegant essentials. Kōrin is tapping into a long tradition there, but giving it his own modern twist. You know, I've always been struck by the negative space in this print – it’s just as important as the figures themselves. What do you think it evokes? Editor: Hmmm, the negative space… almost a feeling of limitless expanse, or maybe just a quiet acceptance of the space around us? Curator: I love that. And isn't it remarkable how a few simple lines can convey such depth? I come away with an even greater appreciation for the beauty of simplicity, which is quite hard to master.