Crow eating a Persimmon 1910

Ohara Koson created this woodblock print of a crow eating a persimmon. The composition is striking in its vertical orientation, dominated by the contrast between the solid black form of the crow and the soft, muted tones of the persimmon tree. The bird is captured mid-act, its intense focus articulated through the downward curve of its neck and the sharp angle of its beak meeting the fruit. This dynamic pose is juxtaposed with the static arrangement of the tree's branches and fruits, creating a sense of tension. Koson’s use of negative space further emphasizes the graphic quality of the print, drawing attention to the interplay between figure and ground. Consider the semiotic implications of the crow, often a symbol of intelligence or, depending on the context, foreboding, set against the persimmon, which in some cultures, including Japan, represents joy and good fortune. The artist encourages us to reflect on how cultural symbols interact within a carefully constructed visual field.