Two Ferns
- Medium:
- Mokuhanga on washi
- Image courtesy of
- La Lanta Fine Art
Two Ferns places a pair of fern plants — common in the understory of tropical forests throughout Southeast Asia — in compositional dialogue, the pairing inviting comparison between individual fronds and overall form. The bilateral and radial symmetry of fern leaves offers natural material for the geometric demands of woodblock carving, while the delicate pinnation of each frond requires fine cutting to preserve its lace-like character. Kiggell uses the absorbent surface of [washi](/glossary/washi) to achieve the soft gradations of color and tone that distinguish young fronds from mature growth, and the characteristic [bokashi](/glossary/bokashi) wash along frond edges gives a sense of atmospheric depth. The figures listed among subjects suggest a human presence or scale reference within the composition.
Two Ferns was created by Ralph Kiggell.
Two Ferns uses Washi, on mokuhanga on washi.
Two Ferns depicts figures.
