Ohara Koson, "Willow Bridge"

While Ohara Koson is known for his kacho-e (prints of bird and flowers), this design is regarded as one of his most famous landscapes and shows two women shielding themselves from the cold wind with their parasols. A marvelous composition that is beautifully printed with grey bokashi details throughout, embossing, and gofun applied for added depth in the depiction of snow on the umbrellas.

Date: c. 1927
Size: Oban
Early, posthumous edition (c. 1950)
Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
Condition: Excellent color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Clear Walnut

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.