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 kingfisher perches on a snow-covered tree stump, its electric blue back and orange breast providing vivid color contrast against the white of accumulated snow. The kingfisher was one of Koson's favorite subjects — a small, jewel-bright bird that allowed him to deploy intense blue in compositions otherwise dominated by the muted tones of winter. The 1935 date places this among his late works, when his technique was most refined; the bokashi gradation in sky and snow demonstrates decades of practice.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Kingfisher on Snowy Stump was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in Shōwa period, 1935.
Kingfisher on Snowy Stump uses Bokashi, on woodblock print; ink and color on paper.
Kingfisher on Snowy Stump was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (Shōwa period, 1935).
Kingfisher on Snowy Stump depicts birds & flowers and snow scenes.
Kingfisher on Snowy Stump measures 27.5 × 24.3 cm (Oban format).
