Schetsen voor kunstenaars - deel twee Possibly 1883 - 1885

"Sketches for Artists - part two" is a woodblock print made by Kōno Bairei in Japan during the late 19th century. This was a period of significant cultural and political change as Japan opened up to the West after centuries of self-imposed isolation. Bairei, trained in traditional Japanese painting, found himself at a crossroads, navigating between preserving traditional styles and incorporating Western influences. As you turn the pages of the book, you'll notice how the artist uses precise lines and delicate colors, which reflect the natural world and the cultural heritage of Japan. Bairei's work reveals an attempt to define and maintain a Japanese artistic identity amidst modernization. It is a personal statement about cultural shifts and artistic integrity, showing both the beauty of tradition and the inevitability of change.