Ohara Koson, "Peony and Butterfly"

Peonies are regular motifs in Asian art representing good fortune, and in Japan it is considered the "King of Flowers." Butterflies hold many symbolic meanings, including happiness and change. Taken together, the peony and butterfly shown in this colorful and expertly printed woodblock print by Ohara Koson brings forth two of nature's most potent symbols in Asian art.

Date: ca. 1930
Size: Mitsugiri
Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
Condition: Excellent/fine color and condition
Suggested mat/frame size: 14" x 22"

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.