Vliegenvanger bij wisteria 1900 - 1910

Ohara Koson made this woodblock print of a flycatcher near wisteria, sometime between 1900 and 1936. The way the soft, muted colors blend together gives the whole scene a dreamy, almost blurry quality, like a memory. Look closely at the bird, how the blue-grey feathers seem to flow into each other. You can almost feel the delicate touch of the artist’s hand, carving out each tiny detail with care. The wisteria, with its cascading blooms, is a mix of soft purples and blues, creating a gentle contrast with the bird's plumage. It’s like the artist is inviting us to slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty of nature. Koson's work reminds me a bit of James McNeill Whistler, who also had a thing for these subtle, tonal harmonies. Both artists remind us that art is about seeing, feeling, and finding poetry in the everyday. There’s a calmness here that lets you just breathe and be present.