Koson's bird-and-flower prints are his most numerous and accessible works — he designed ~450 prints total. Common subjects in average condition remain widely available. Quality of impression, color fidelity, and publisher seal (Kokkeido preferred over Watanabe) are the key value drivers.
A black-crowned night heron stands hunched in snowfall, its compact body and large yellow eyes rendered with the careful naturalism that makes Koson's work so appealing to ornithologists and art collectors alike. This nocturnal heron species has a particular stolid character — it does not flee winter conditions but endures them with apparent indifference — and Koson captures exactly this quality. The bokashi gradation renders the night sky's depth and the snow's soft accumulation with technical mastery.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Black-crowned Night Heron in Snow was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in c. 1928–1930.
Black-crowned Night Heron in Snow was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (c. 1928–1930).
Black-crowned Night Heron in Snow depicts birds & flowers, snow scenes, and night scenes.
Black-crowned Night Heron in Snow measures 36 × 24 cm (Oban format).
