Mirror 1930

Koshiro Onchi made this print, titled 'Mirror', at an unknown date using the woodcut technique. Right away I'm drawn to the contrast between the detailed rendering of the figure and the minimalist composition overall. The artist's hand is so present. Looking closely, you can see the layering of colours and how Onchi coaxes an entire mood out of the simple surface of the paper. I'm particularly drawn to the figure's hair – that dense, graphic block of black. It contrasts with the skin tones and adds a sense of weight and presence to the image. The division of space into distinct planes suggests he was maybe looking at the work of someone like Vuillard or Bonnard. Ultimately, this print feels like an invitation to slow down and appreciate the quiet moments of everyday life. It reminds me that art isn’t just about grand statements, it can be about intimacy and the poetry of seeing.