The Timeless Serenity of Ohara Koson: A Master of Japanese Winter Prin

Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

This is a Japanese woodblock print by the artist Ohara Koson (1877–1945). The artwork, a classic example of the kacho-e (bird-and-flower pictures) genre, depicts a tranquil winter scene. Two Blue-and-white Flycatchers are perched on the branches of a nandina bush, which is laden with snow. The vibrant red berries and the birds' deep blue feathers create a stunning visual contrast against the soft white of the snow. One bird is actively feeding on a berry, adding a moment of life and delicacy to the serene atmosphere.

Historical Tidbit

Ohara Koson was a leading artist of the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement of the early 20th century. This movement aimed to revive the traditional art of ukiyo-e woodblock printing, which had declined with the introduction of modern photography and printing methods. What's particularly interesting is that the shin-hanga movement was heavily driven by demand from the West. An astute publisher, Watanabe Shōzaburō, collaborated with artists like Koson to create prints that appealed to European and American tastes for "Japonisme." Therefore, while this artwork is a masterpiece of traditional Japanese aesthetics, it was created as part of a successful international commercial enterprise, making it a beautiful fusion of Japanese artistry and global trade.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time: