“Birds of the Seasons – Autumn,” created by Toshi Yoshida around 1980, is a striking example of the Sōsaku hanga art movement. This artwork, belonging to the genre of bird-and-flower painting, epitomizes the essence of autumn through its depiction of a bird perched amidst the vibrant red leaves.
The artwork showcases a serene composition where a bird, seemingly contemplative, rests on the branches of a tree adorned with deep red autumn leaves. The branches, stark and bare in places, frame the bird against a minimalist background, emphasizing the hues of the season. The meticulous detail in the bird’s plumage and the organic forms of the leaves portray a gentle yet vivid scene. The contrast between the dark branches and the bright foliage is striking, lending a sense of depth and tranquility to the composition. Through this portrayal, Yoshida captures the ephemeral beauty of autumn in a delicate balance of simplicity and intricacy.