Reiger op besneeuwde boomtak 1925 - 1936

Ohara Koson made this woodblock print of a heron on a snowy branch, but when, exactly, remains a mystery. The soft grays and browns give a sense of stillness, like time is frozen. I love how the snow isn’t just white, but layered with subtle grays, suggesting depth and shadow. Look closely, and you can almost feel the cold, crisp air. What strikes me is the incredibly thin lines of the bird's legs, so delicate. The branches, burdened with snow, droop down as if exhausted, yet the bird stands firm, a symbol of resilience in winter's embrace. This piece reminds me a bit of Hiroshige, especially in the way he captures a mood with such simple means. Ultimately, art like this is all about feeling more than understanding, so let your own imagination take flight.