Bairei gafu, Pl.66 (1905)

66 (1905)Artist: Kōno BaireiDiscover the intricate beauty of "Bairei gafu, Pl.66," a captivating woodblock print by the esteemed Japanese artist Kōno Bairei. Created in 1905, this piece offers a glimpse into the delicate interplay of nature and artistry characteristic of traditional Japanese illustration.This print showcases Bairei's exemplary skill in capturing the natural world. At the foreground, a striking lizard takes center stage, intricately rendered with meticulous detail in its scales and form. Its sinuous body curves amidst a lush arrangement of wild flora, which includes detailed and vivid representations of leaves and branches that create a dynamic and textured visual field.The background features gentle gradations of monochromatic tones that suggest a misty, distant landscape, providing a subtle contrast that further accentuates the vivid details of the flora and the lizard.With its harmonious balance of wildlife and plant elements, Bairei's composition invites viewers into an immersive natural setting that is both serene and alive. The calligraphic text on the left side adds an element of traditional aesthetic and cultural depth, connecting the artwork to its historical and literary context."Bairei gafu, Pl.66" is not just a testament to the artist's mastery over the woodblock printing technique but also a breathtaking example of the integration of realism and artistic expression in the Meiji period art.