The artwork, titled “Fishing Boats at Sea,” was created by Ohara Koson in 1910. Rendered on paper, this piece belongs to the Shin-hanga art movement and falls under the marina genre. The artwork reflects the stylistic subtleties and craftsmanship indicative of its era and movement.
“Fishing Boats at Sea” portrays a serene maritime scene with remarkable simplicity and elegance. Dominated by a single fishing boat with a large sail, the vessel is depicted in striking silhouette against a softly illuminated sky. The gentle gradation of tones in the background evokes a tranquil atmosphere, while the presence of birds in flight adds a sense of movement and life to the composition. The calm sea reflects the boat and sky above, achieving a harmonious balance between the elements, a characteristic trait of the Shin-hanga style. The minimal yet evocative use of color and attention to detail exemplifies Koson’s mastery in capturing the essence of maritime beauty.
