Cormorant with fish 1900 - 1930

This is Ohara Koson’s ‘Cormorant with fish’, made sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. It’s so delicate, a woodblock print of this bird wading through water, reeds all around. I can almost feel the artist carving into the wood, carefully layering the colors to bring out the textures of the bird's feathers. Can you see how the dark tones create such depth and shadow? I wonder what Koson was thinking as he captured this moment, the bird’s successful catch held tight in its beak. It makes me think about the cycle of life, the hunter and the hunted, all playing out in this serene scene. I’m reminded of other artists who've explored similar themes, from Audubon's detailed bird studies to contemporary painters who capture fleeting moments in nature. It’s like we’re all part of this ongoing conversation, each artist adding their voice to the mix. And for us viewers, it's a chance to connect with something bigger than ourselves, to find beauty and meaning in the everyday.