“Lily and Butterflies,” created by Ohara Koson around 1912 in Japan, is a wildlife painting made on paper. Measuring 33 x 18.4 cm, this work belongs to the Shin-hanga art movement. The artwork delicately captures the essence of Japanese nature, portraying a vivid scene that is charmingly simplistic yet richly detailed.
The artwork depicts a striking visual of a vibrant lily, its petals adorned with red spots, contrasting against the smooth background. Surrounding the prominent flower are gracefully arched leaves and tall grasses, rendered with intricate line work that conveys a sense of gentle movement. Two butterflies hover nearby, adding life and dynamism to the scene. The overall composition exudes a serene beauty, capturing a fleeting moment of natural elegance and tranquility. The meticulous attention to details and the harmonious color palette embody the characteristics associated with the Shin-hanga movement, highlighting Koson’s mastery in wildlife painting.
