Koekoek vliegend bij volle maan 1900 - 1910

Curator: Here at the Rijksmuseum, we have Ogata Gekko's woodblock print, "Koekoek vliegend bij volle maan," which translates to "Cuckoo Flying by Full Moon," made sometime between 1900 and 1910. Editor: The first thing I notice is the delicate balance between the substantial presence of the moon and the bird and the perceived emptiness. The negative space really amplifies a sense of solitude, doesn’t it? Curator: Absolutely. This print showcases Gekko’s mastery of the ukiyo-e tradition. We see the distinct impression of the key block in the bird’s body that defined the composition and held registration for successive color applications, along with other blocks used for gradations of tone, carefully hand-applied with a baren, a traditional Japanese tool used for printing. Editor: The cuckoo itself has such an interesting symbolic presence in East Asian cultures, especially in relation to the moon. The night flight connects the bird with longing and even lost love, reflecting a connection between the cuckoo's mournful call with seasonal change. The cuckoo can symbolize an announcement that Spring has come. Curator: And that links to the larger conversation of the relationship between nature and emotionality at that turn of the century. Consider how Japan opened itself to the world stage, adapting printing methods to convey sentiment and observations that speak volumes on social and historical issues Editor: The moon’s constant cycle speaks to impermanence. And yet the print endures! I find myself thinking of the print’s life and of Gekko himself; of how his choices captured not only a scene but also a mood that remains timeless. Curator: Indeed, pondering the physical effort behind this type of image connects us with Gekko's working process and allows us to respect its meaning more deeply. Editor: Yes, a cultural moment skillfully rendered in ink and wood, prompting reflections on tradition and memory.