Kraai op besneeuwde paal 1925 - 1936

Ohara Koson made this small woodblock print of a crow on a snowy post sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. Look how Koson contrasts the stark black of the crow against the cool blues and whites of the snow. It's all about the process, right? How can we create a feeling of depth and space with just a few simple marks? The texture here is subtle, almost like a whisper. The paper has a gentle grain, and the ink seems to float on the surface, especially in the sky above the bird. Notice the way Koson uses a gradient of blue to suggest the depth of the winter sky. It's so minimal, yet so effective. My eye is drawn to the curve of the crow’s back, how it mirrors the curve of the snowy post beneath. It's like a dance between form and formlessness, between the solid bird and the melting snow. It reminds me a little of Hokusai's prints, but with a quieter, more contemplative feel. It’s a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, each artist building upon the ideas of those who came before.