Hanga
Heron in the Rain by Ohara Koson — Japanese Woodblock print in "ōban" format; ink and color on paper with embossing, Shōwa period, circa 1928

Heron in the Rain

by Ohara Koson

Date:
Shōwa period, circa 1928
Medium:
Woodblock print in "ōban" format; ink and color on paper with embossing
Format:
Oban
Dimensions:
38.7 × 25.9 cm
Edition:
Published by Watanabe Shozaburo

Description

A heron stands in rain with the dignity that Koson consistently bestowed on his wading birds — the long neck held steady, the eyes alert, the body undeterred by weather. This oban-format print uses embossing alongside the standard woodblock technique, adding a tactile quality to the bird's plumage and the rain's impact on the water surface. Koson signed this impression "Shoson," one of several names he used across his career, and the Showa-period dating places it within his most celebrated productive decade.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Heron in the Rain was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in Shōwa period, circa 1928.

Heron in the Rain was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (Shōwa period, circa 1928).

Heron in the Rain depicts birds & flowers and rain.

Heron in the Rain measures 38.7 × 25.9 cm (Oban format).