Hawk on Snowy Branch
雪中の鷹
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- c. 1920
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
Typical Price
Hawks and other raptors sit at the top of the Koson hierarchy, and this snowy-branch setting amplifies the drama. Early Watanabe printings bring $3,000-$7,000, with later impressions at $1,500-$3,500. Identify the most valuable editions by the small circular Watanabe publisher seal and "Koson" signature.
Description
A fierce hawk perches on a snow-covered pine branch, surveying the winter landscape below. Its sharp eye and powerful talons convey predatory alertness, while the delicate snow clinging to the pine needles creates a beautiful contrast of strength and fragility. The composition ranks among Koson''s most striking bird-of-prey studies.
