Jay and owl c. 1796

"Jay and Owl" is a woodblock print from c. 1796 by the renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753-1806). This artwork, now in the Rijksmuseum, features a detailed depiction of a jay and an owl perched on a branch in a delicate and intricate style, showcasing Utamaro's mastery of capturing natural detail. The print utilizes the "ukiyo-e" (pictures of the floating world) genre, a style popular in Edo-period Japan that often depicted scenes of everyday life, nature, and beauty. Utamaro's work exemplifies this style through its delicate portrayal of nature's beauty and the intricate details of the birds.