Heron on Branch
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- c. 1928–1930
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 23.5 × 24.8 cm
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
A heron perches on an overhanging branch, its long neck retracted into its shoulders in the resting posture characteristic of the species. Produced around 1928–1930, this print demonstrates Koson's mastery of the perched bird composition: the branch as compositional armature, the bird's mass balanced against the spatial openness of the background, the species rendered with enough anatomical accuracy to satisfy an ornithologist while remaining a work of formal beauty.
More Prints by Ohara Koson
Cat and Goldfish
c. 1928–1930
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Heron or Egret
c. 1900–1945
Woodblock print
"Snipes and Reeds," 1926 and "Wild Ducks and Pampas Grass"
Two woodblocks in colors (framed separately)
Magpie with Pink and White Magnolia Blossoms
Shōwa period, circa 1931
Woodblock print in "ōban" format; ink and color on paper
More Birds & Flowers Prints
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heron on Branch was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in c. 1928–1930.
Heron on Branch was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (c. 1928–1930).
Heron on Branch depicts birds & flowers.
Heron on Branch measures 23.5 × 24.8 cm (Oban format).