Swallows and Bee
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- c. 1900–1945
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Description
Swallows in flight share the composition with a bee — the small insect's presence giving scale to the birds and creating a compositional counterpoint of very different flight styles. Swallows pursue insects aerially, and the bee here may be both prey and visual element, its slow buzzing flight contrasted with the swallows' rapid, darting movement. Koson produced this swallow subject across several decades, refining his approach to rendering high-speed aerial motion.
More Prints by Ohara Koson
Cat and Goldfish
c. 1928–1930
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Heron or Egret
c. 1900–1945
Woodblock print
"Snipes and Reeds," 1926 and "Wild Ducks and Pampas Grass"
Two woodblocks in colors (framed separately)
Magpie with Pink and White Magnolia Blossoms
Shōwa period, circa 1931
Woodblock print in "ōban" format; ink and color on paper
More Insects Prints
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swallows and Bee was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in c. 1900–1945.
Swallows and Bee was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (c. 1900–1945).
Swallows and Bee depicts insects.