Okamoto Ippei made this print, Kokusui, on paper, but when? The date is unknown. I'm drawn to the way he confidently lays down lines, isn't it wonderful how certain lines, like those defining the phoenix's legs, seem to wobble ever so slightly? That slight imperfection is what makes it alive. The colors are muted, delicate, almost faded, yet they create a striking image of a phoenix that seems both regal and slightly comical. Notice how the blue in the wings creates a beautiful contrast against the peach-colored crest. The texture of the paper is rough, aged, you can almost feel the fibers under your fingertips. Look closely at the head of the bird. The lines are intricate and full of personality, as if the bird is peering at you with a sense of amusement. Ippei's work reminds me of some drawings by Yoshitoshi, whom he admired. You see the same expressive line and interest in popular culture and current events. But where Yoshitoshi might go for drama, Ippei opts for a wry observation. Art isn’t about answers but about endless questions and ways of seeing.