Copper pheasant 1900 - 1930

Here is a copper pheasant printed by Ohara Koson sometime before 1945. The pheasant, perched on a branch, is rendered in muted browns and reds, which contrast with the green leaves. I can just imagine Koson, bent over the woodblock, carving the intricate details of the bird’s feathers and the delicate leaves. It’s easy to see the appeal of ukiyo-e prints like this one. There’s a stillness to the image, a quiet contemplation of nature. The pheasant seems to be lost in thought, perhaps contemplating the changing seasons, or maybe just enjoying a moment of peace. You get the sense that Koson was part of a long conversation with other artists, from Japan and all over the world, each adding their own voice to the chorus of art history. And, as in all good art, it’s not about having all the answers, but about embracing the questions.