Landschap met zwerm vogels en torii 1887 - 1945

Ohara Koson made this landscape with a swarm of birds and a torii gate with woodblock print. What I love about this piece is the ethereal quality, it’s like looking at a memory. Koson uses a limited palette of greys and blacks to create depth and atmosphere, making the forest feel both inviting and a little mysterious. It shows the process of art making, it's not about perfection, but about the journey of creation. The texture of the paper adds to the dreamlike quality. The birds themselves are these tiny dark shapes against the muted background. Their simplicity contrasts with the intricate detail of the trees, especially the pine on the right, where you can see individual needles. It reminds me a bit of Hiroshige, but with an added touch of whimsy. This print invites us to slow down, to get lost in the details, and to appreciate the beauty of imperfection. Art isn't about having all the answers; it’s about asking interesting questions.