Kraai op besneeuwde tak. 1900 - 1936

Ohara Koson made this woodblock print, "Crow on a Snowy Branch", sometime between 1900 and 1936. The composition is striking in its simplicity and the limited color palette. What stands out to me is the way Koson uses the flat planes of color to create depth and texture. The pink background is almost fleshy, while the black crow and white snow create a stark contrast. Look at the snow clinging to the branches. Notice how some are thick and rounded, while others are thin and delicate lines? Koson captures the fleeting nature of snow, its ephemeral beauty, with an expert eye. I’m reminded of Whistler's atmospheric landscapes. Both artists use a restricted palette to evoke mood and atmosphere. Koson's print is a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation across time, and it is never finished, because, like snow, it is always melting.