White Herons 1769

"White Herons" is a hanging scroll painting by the renowned Japanese artist Maruyama Ōkyo, created in 1769. The painting depicts two white herons in flight, their wings spread wide against a pale background. Ōkyo was a master of the Maruyama-Shijō school, known for its realistic portrayal of nature. The work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, exemplifies Ōkyo's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of natural subjects with elegant simplicity. The painting utilizes a delicate balance of ink washes and brushstrokes to capture the movement and grace of the birds in flight. The work showcases Ōkyo's innovative approach to traditional Japanese painting, blending traditional techniques with a heightened sense of realism and naturalism.