Flying Geese 1926

Ohara Koson created this image of flying geese using the woodblock printing technique. Here, the geese are not mere birds; they embody the spirit of autumn, of journeys and returns. Consider the flock: a symbol of harmony, cooperation, and the cyclical nature of life. It resonates across cultures, from ancient Greek processions to modern migratory patterns traced on our maps. The “V” formation, so familiar, echoes in the collective unconscious. Observe too the reeds below, bending in unison, mirroring the geese above. This visual echo creates a link between earth and sky, grounding the birds in their earthly departure, reminding us that every journey begins and ends somewhere. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its evocation of longing and belonging. The geese, suspended between worlds, stir within us the universal human desire for connection and the poignant awareness of time's passage. It’s a recurring journey in the human psyche.