Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Ducks," an exquisite piece by Goyo Hashiguchi from 1920, perfectly captures a serene moment in nature. The painting showcases two ducks, gracefully rendered with meticulous attention to detail. The birds appear to be gliding atop a mirror-like surface of water, which subtly reflects their elegant forms.

The ducks are adorned with vibrant plumage—rich browns, delicate whites, and hints of green and blue on their heads—emphasizing the natural beauty of these birds. The artist's use of color is both vibrant and harmonious, creating a balanced and tranquil composition. The water is depicted with soft, flowing lines that suggest gentle ripples, adding a sense of movement to the otherwise calm scene.

Artistic Techniques and Style:

Hashiguchi Goyo, a renowned artist of the Shin Hanga (New Prints) movement, excels in combining traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques with a modern sensibility. This particular work is a woodblock print, a medium that allows for detailed, textured lines and delicate color gradations.

The fine lines and subtle coloring in "Ducks" highlight Goyo's exceptional skill in printmaking and his keen observation of nature. The precision with which the ducks are depicted showcases the artist's deep appreciation for and understanding of wildlife.

Context within Goyo Hashiguchi’s Career:

Goyo Hashiguchi (1880-1921) is celebrated for reviving and modernizing the traditional Japanese ukiyo-e (woodblock print) style through the Shin Hanga movement. "Ducks" is a testament to his ability to infuse traditional techniques with his unique artistic voice, reflecting both the tranquility of nature and the intricacies of wildlife.

This painting comes towards the latter part of Goyo's short but impactful career. Despite his relatively brief life, he produced a significant body of work that has had a lasting influence on Japanese printmaking. "Ducks" exemplifies Goyo’s devotion to capturing natural beauty with a refined and elegant touch.

Noteworthy Details and Where the Original Painting is Found:

While "Ducks" might be found in various collections due to the nature of woodblock prints as multiple reproductions, an exemplary piece of his work can be located in the Ota Memorial Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan. This museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of traditional Japanese artwork, including Ukiyo-e prints and the contributions of Shin Hanga artists like Goyo Hashiguchi.

Goyo's works, including "Ducks," often draw attention for their serene beauty and technical mastery, making them cherished pieces in any collection. They offer insights not only into the artist’s remarkable talent but also into the cultural and artistic renaissance that Japan experienced during the early 20th century through the Shin Hanga movement.