Kingfisher with Lotus Flower c. early to mid 20th century

Curator: This is Ohara Koson's "Kingfisher with Lotus Flower," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking how the cool grays contrast so sharply with the vivid kingfisher. Curator: Absolutely. Koson was a master of woodblock printing, and his commercial success allowed for incredible refinement in the carving and application of pigment. The gradation in the lotus petals, for example, speaks to sophisticated labor. Editor: I see the lotus as a symbol of purity and rebirth, juxtaposed with the keen gaze of the kingfisher—a predator balanced on the stem. It hints at the ever-present cycle of life and death. Curator: Interesting how you tie that back to its imagery. I see the industrial side, and how prints like this circulated widely, influencing design and material culture. Editor: It’s a peaceful image that holds complex meanings. I will think about the cycle of life every time I see a lotus. Curator: A good reminder of the way art enters our daily lives.