Kwartel 1864

Chokko Roshû created this print called ‘Kwartel’ using woodblock printing techniques. The composition balances text and image, yet it is the unassuming bird on the right that first captures our attention. Note the delicate strokes that define its feathers, each line contributing to the texture that invites a sense of tactile familiarity. The bird is framed by a climbing vine with simple, rounded leaves. These shapes create a visual rhythm, leading our eye upwards, and the small red blossoms add a playful contrast to the muted tones of the bird. On the left, columns of text mirror the verticality of the vine. The characters, like the natural elements, possess a certain visual weight, contributing to the overall balance of the piece. This synthesis of word and image reflects a deep integration of artistic and intellectual pursuits. Through form and structure, Roshû invites us to consider the interplay between observation, representation, and cultural expression.