Ohara Koson, "Iris and Kingfisher"

The kingfisher in Japan is distinctive for its green/blue upper body and orange belly. Here, a flying kingfisher swoops over irises in full bloom. Expertly crafted and luminescent first-edition printing with extensive bokashi throughout. 

Date: 1927
Size: Oban
First-edition (seal A)
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo
Condition: Excellent/fine color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Walnut, Clear

Ohara Koson (Shoson) (1877-1945) was the master of kacho-e (prints of birds and flowers) during the shin-hanga period of woodblock prints in Japan. Trained as a painter, Koson's work exquisitely captured the raw beauty of nature and many of his bird prints are iconic in Japanese design.