White Geese and Reeds
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- 1928
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print; oban
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 39 × 25.7 cm
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Art Institute of Chicago
Description
White geese stand or move among reeds and water in this 1928 oban print, their solid white forms the compositional anchors in a scene of vertical reed stalks and horizontal water. The composition type — white birds among reeds — is one Koson returned to throughout his career, the formal problem of organizing large white forms within complex linear surroundings providing consistent creative challenge. His geese are rendered with attention to the species' characteristic posture and the weight of large waterfowl.
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 Birds & Flowers Prints
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
White Geese and Reeds was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in 1928.
White Geese and Reeds was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1928).
White Geese and Reeds depicts birds & flowers, rivers & lakes, and animals.
White Geese and Reeds measures 39 × 25.7 cm (Oban format).