Japanese waxwing on branch 1900 - 1930

Ohara Koson made this lovely print of a Japanese waxwing, and the colours are so hushed and serene, it makes me think about the quiet moments of observation. You can see the careful detail in the bird’s feathers, each one seemingly placed with intention, like a painter building up layers of translucent glazes. I imagine Koson studying the waxwing, capturing its essence with such precision. The way the branch extends across the frame, it's so delicate, almost like a skeletal drawing against the misty background, suggesting both fragility and resilience. I wonder if Koson felt a kinship with this bird, a fellow observer of the natural world, finding solace and inspiration in its beauty. This piece reminds me how artists are constantly in conversation with their surroundings, translating their observations into something tangible and meaningful, inviting us to pause and appreciate the subtle wonders of the world.