Heron at Low Water

A grey heron waits in the shallows, in five blocks and seven colours.

Artist: Ōta Yūko
Technique: Mokuhanga, water-based
Edition: In the current edition, of 30
Sheet: 390 × 265 mm, Kozo, 45 gsm

The heron came every morning while the blocks were being cut, and stood where the water is lowest.

A proof of the heron: a black bird on long legs over a band of indigo. — The third proof, before the grey went in.

The blocks

The key block, in cherry
Two blocks for the water
Two for the bird and the reeds

Printed on kozo, which takes the water-based colour into the sheet.