Ohara Koson (1877-1945)
Koson Ohara, also known as Shōson or Hoson, was a prominent 20th-century Japanese artist renowned for his kacho-e (bird-and-flower) prints, a genre that he transformed with modern elegance. Born in Kanazawa as Matao Ohara, Koson trained under Shijo school master Kason and later taught at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, where he met Ernest Fenollosa, an American collector passionate about Japanese art. This friendship propelled Koson's work to an international audience, especially in the U.S., as his woodblock prints began gaining popularity for their delicate, nature-inspired themes. Ohara Koson was as a central figure in the Shin-hanga movement, which breathed new life into Japanese printmaking in the early 20th century.
A Journey through Koson’s Art
Koson's art is celebrated for its exquisite detail, muted colors, and deep reverence for nature. His focus remained primarily on bird-and-flower scenes, skillfully using color and composition to create timeless pieces that evoke serenity and wonder. His works often featured subtle color palettes and narrow formats, which became his hallmark. Notable examples include: Japanese Wagtail on Lotus, Flowering Water Lily, Two Peacocks on a Tree Branch, Heron in Snow, Mandarin Ducks
Evolution of Ohara Koson’s Style and Signature
Throughout his career, Koson used various signatures, making it challenging to date his works. Initially, he signed as "Koson" during his first print phase (1900-1912), working with publishers Kokkeido and Daikokuya. Later, as he shifted focus to painting, he adopted the name "Shoson." In 1926, however, Koson returned to printmaking, collaborating with the renowned publisher Shozaburo Watanabe, and sometimes signed his works as "Hoson." This period saw some of his most refined prints, which he distributed internationally through publishers like Sakai and Kawaguchi.
Enduring Legacy and Collectibility
Today, Ohara Koson prints are housed in major museums worldwide, including the Freer Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His works remain highly collectible, celebrated for their timeless appeal and masterful portrayal of the natural world.
Museums that exhibit or conserve works by Ohara Koson :
- The Musée Cernuschi in Paris
- The Rikjmusem in Amsterdam
- The national museum of modern art in Tokyo
- Museum of fine arts in Boston
Emblematic works of Ohara Koson
- His egret in the rain print is one of his most striking works. The bird stands out against a black background, its feathers rendered using the embossing technique (karazuri), a process that creates relief by applying an engraved woodblock without colour.
-Egrets in snow
-Dancing Fox
- Bees and Hydrangea
-Two women in the snow
Where to buy fine HD Ohara Koson Posters?
Our collection of Ohara Koson posters provides art lovers and collectors an opportunity to own high-definition reproductions of these iconic woodblock prints.
From serene landscapes to intimate portrayals of birds and flowers, each reproduction is crafted with attention to detail, faithfully preserving the colors and elegance of the original works. These *Ohara Koson prints* or *Ohara Koson posters* make ideal additions for any home or workspace, blending the beauty of Japanese nature with refined artistic skill.
Explore the Collection:
- Ohara Koson Irises – A tranquil depiction of irises, capturing their elegance and refined lines.
- Chickadee on Paulownia Branch – A striking composition with a chickadee against vivid paulownia leaves.
- Roaring Tiger – One of Koson’s rare animal prints, showcasing the power of a tiger with subtle strength.
- Poppies in Bloom yes – A celebration of vibrant flora, where Koson brings out the delicate beauty of blooming poppies.
For art enthusiasts or those new to Japanese art, an Ohara Koson print is an elegant way to explore traditional Japanese aesthetics and add a touch of serene beauty to any setting.
