Siberian Bluechat next to a Peony sheltered by a Snowcovered Hay Sheaf 1925 - 1936

Ohara Koson made this print of a Siberian bluechat, peony, and snow-covered hay sheaf sometime before 1945, likely using woodblocks. You know, when I look at this, I can almost feel what it was like to carve those lines. It's amazing how Koson has captured the textures, the feathery lightness of the bird in contrast to the heavy, wet snow. I can almost hear the soft, muffled sounds of snowfall, the delicate rustle of the bird’s feathers. And that peony! What a splash of vibrant life against the monochrome. I feel like this is Koson saying that even in the depths of winter, beauty insists on showing itself. It reminds me of other artists' works too, like some of the early botanical drawings, but with this added Japanese sensibility. It's a quiet, intimate scene, but so full of life and feeling. Isn’t it great when an artist can do that?