Waterhoentjes tussen riet 1900 - 1930

Ohara Koson made this print of waterhens amongst reeds sometime between 1900 and 1930. It’s a woodblock print, a process that requires both careful planning and masterful execution, layering colour by colour. Look closely, and you can see the way the reed stems emerge from the water, almost like casual scribbles, yet they create a calm rhythm, a backdrop for the two waterhens. The soft greys and blacks of the birds contrast beautifully with the muted background, giving the scene a serene, almost meditative quality. I’m drawn to the delicate texture of the birds’ feathers, achieved through the careful carving of the woodblocks. It’s amazing to think of the precision and control that would have been needed to create this image. There's a kinship with Whistler here, in the atmospheric mood, and the way the composition draws the eye to the central figures, inviting contemplation. Ultimately, the beauty of this print lies in its ability to evoke a sense of stillness and harmony in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming.