Ducks at full moon 1900 - 1945

Ohara Koson made this print of ducks under a full moon sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century, using woodblock printing. It’s fascinating how he captured light and texture with such simple means. Take a look at the moon. It’s not just a flat white circle; it has this subtle glow, almost like it's breathing. The plum blossom and branch create a kind of lattice that give the moon volume and depth. Koson uses a similar technique to describe the ducks’ plumage. The grey, black and brown feathers are defined with subtle graduations, and the lightest areas contrast with darker lines to capture the bird’s form and texture. The tonal range in this print reminds me a lot of James McNeill Whistler's nocturnes. Both artists were interested in capturing a mood, and in reducing forms to their most essential elements. In art, just like in nature, the simplest things are often the most profound.