Ohara Koson

Ohara Koson (born Ohara Matao in 1877) was a Japanese painter and printmaker best known for his kishō-e (images of birds and flowers). He was part of the Shin-Hanga movement, which combined traditional ukiyo-e techniques with Western influences to create new and refreshing works of art. Koson began his artistic career as a painter and later turned to woodcuts, where he found his true calling. His works are characterized by their fine detail work and the harmonious use of colors.

Throughout his career, Koson worked under various names, including Shōson and Hōson, depending on the type of artwork he created. His early works focused primarily on depicting birds and flowers, but after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, which destroyed many of his early works, he began to incorporate landscapes into his art as well. Koson's works were particularly appreciated in the West, where they were very popular in the early 20th century and helped expand Western understanding and appreciation of Japanese art.

Interesting fact:

Ohara Koson was more successful in the West than in Japan during his lifetime. His works were collected in Europe and America, while remaining relatively unknown in Japan itself. It was only after his death in 1945 that Japanese collectors and art lovers began to recognize and appreciate his importance as an artist of the Shin Hanga movement.

Significant Artworks & Images by Ohara Koson:

• "Crow on a snow-covered tree" - 1925
• "Two Mandarin Ducks in the Snow" - 1925
• "Carp in the pond" - 1900
• "Sparrows in the Rain" - 1930
• "Moon and Heron" - 1910
• "Peonies and Butterfly" - 1935
• "Cherry Blossoms and Birds" - 1934
• "Autumn leaves and deer" - 1920
• "Wild ducks in flight under the full moon" - 1926
• "Reeds and Ducks" - 1910