Wheatear with bamboo 1900 - 1910

Ohara Koson’s ‘Wheatear with bamboo’ is a Japanese woodblock print, known as ‘shin-hanga,’ made during the early 20th century. This printmaking technique, though capable of generating beautiful images, was rooted in the exploitation of skilled labor. Artists like Koson would create the initial design, but the actual carving of the woodblocks and printing would be done by artisans, working under intense time pressure. Look closely and you can see the flat planes of color, crisp lines, and subtle gradations achieved through layering of ink. The texture of the paper adds another tactile element, contributing to the print's overall aesthetic. In this image the bird and bamboo are both carefully observed, and arranged in a composition, showcasing the artist's understanding of natural forms. While Koson's prints were appreciated as fine art, they also served as commodities, sold widely both in Japan and abroad. Considering the cultural and economic context in which it was made, we can appreciate the complexity and the human effort required to produce such seemingly simple images.