Twee vissen: poon (?) en haring 1836

Ishikawa Kazan created this print of two fish, possibly a sea robin and herring, with ink and color on paper. Kazan lived during the late Edo period, a time when Japan was still largely closed off from the West, but there was a growing interest in natural sciences and realistic depictions of the world. Here we see that interest reflected in the careful observation of the fish. Kazan's delicate brushstrokes capture the texture and form of each creature, animating them on the page. While traditional Japanese art often depicted idealized or symbolic representations of nature, Kazan's work suggests a shift towards a more empirical approach. Yet, it's important to remember that even the most realistic depictions are never truly neutral. What does it mean to "capture" these creatures? How does Kazan's perspective as an artist shape our understanding of the natural world, and our place within it?