Koson's vast output of ~450 designs spans birds, flowers, fish, insects, and occasional landscapes. While his large production keeps most prints accessible, early Kokkeido-period impressions with muted, elegant Meiji-era coloring are distinctly more sought after than the brighter later Watanabe editions.
A frog crouches on a leaf or rock in the rain, its skin glistening with moisture, the falling lines of rain creating a visual rhythm around the small creature. Koson's rain prints are among his most technically ambitious, requiring careful registration of the rain lines against complex subjects. The frog in rain plays the stillness of the amphibian — who does not flee wet conditions — against the kinetic energy of the falling water, creating a composition of complementary contrasts.
1962
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
c. 1833-36
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Ame no Omiya
1930
Color woodblock print; oban
Teradomari no yau
1921
Color woodblock print; oban
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frog in Rain was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in c. 1928–1930.
Frog in Rain uses Bokashi, on woodblock print, ink and color on paper.
Frog in Rain was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (c. 1928–1930).
Frog in Rain depicts rain and animals.
Frog in Rain measures 23.5 × 25 cm (Oban format).
