Starlings in the rain 1900 - 1930

Ohara Koson's "Starlings in the Rain" is a woodblock print, a medium that became popular in Japan during the Edo period and continued into the artist's lifetime in the early 20th century. This print exemplifies the *shin-hanga* movement, which revitalized traditional *ukiyo-e* art by incorporating Western influences and catering to a new, international audience. The choice of starlings, common birds, connects to a broader interest in naturalism and the everyday, moving away from purely symbolic or mythological subjects. Koson's starlings are not just birds; they're subjects within a network of economic and cultural exchange, produced within a transforming art market. To fully appreciate this print, one might delve into historical archives, exhibition catalogs, and period publications, uncovering the complex web of social forces that shaped its creation and reception. It underscores how artistic expression is always embedded in a specific context.