Lapwing on tree stump 1900 - 1930

Ohara Koson made this print of a lapwing on a tree stump sometime between 1900 and 1936 using woodblock printing. Look at how the bird preens, caught in a moment of quiet contemplation. You can imagine Koson watching, too, and distilling what he sees through memory and art. The lapwing’s feathers aren't just blue, white, and brown but alive with subtle gradations, like a watercolor bleeding into wet paper, giving it a soft, almost dreamy feel. Then there’s that crest—a single, elegant stroke that adds so much character. I wonder if Koson felt a kinship with the bird—both of them perched, observing, and trying to make sense of the world. This piece speaks to the timeless dialogue between artists, each one borrowing, responding, and adding their voice to the mix. It’s a reminder that art isn't just about seeing; it's about feeling, connecting, and continuing the conversation.