Wisteria and Bee 1930

Ohara Koson's "Wisteria and Bee" from 1930, depicts the beauty of a single wisteria vine cascading down a light beige background. The delicate brushstrokes of the Japanese artist capture the subtle hues of the wisteria blossoms and the delicate form of a bee, symbolizing the connection between nature and the ephemeral beauty of the seasons. This work exemplifies Koson's mastery of the shin-hanga style, a revival of traditional woodblock printing that captured the beauty of the natural world with exquisite detail. The inclusion of a bee adds a sense of movement and life to the composition.