Dode watervogel 1800 - 1900

"Dode watervogel" is a Japanese ink and wash painting by Yamamoto Baiitsu, a prominent artist of the Edo period. This small-scale work, measuring 157mm by 215mm, depicts a deceased waterbird in meticulous detail, showcasing Baiitsu's mastery of capturing the delicate nuances of nature. The bird's feathers, rendered with subtle gradations of gray, create a sense of both stillness and fragility. The composition, confined to a geometric shape on the paper, emphasizes the subject's isolated presence. The artist's signature, visible in the top right corner, adds a personal touch to this poignant study of mortality.