Zilverreiger 1925 - 1936

Ohara Koson made this woodblock print, "Zilverreiger," sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, capturing a moment with such elegant simplicity. The marks feel so essential, each one contributing to the overall harmony of the piece. It's like Koson is showing us how much can be said with so little. Looking at the way the water is rendered, those horizontal lines create such a sense of stillness and reflection. And the heron itself, with its delicate lines and gentle curve of the neck, it's like a study in grace. The way the irises are placed above the bird, they create a sense of depth and balance. It makes me think of Hokusai, but with a quieter, more intimate feel. This piece isn't trying to shout, it's inviting you to pause, to breathe, and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. It is the kind of art that reminds you that less really can be more.