Kingfisher on Snowy Stump
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- Shōwa period, 1935
- Medium:
- Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 27.5 × 24.3 cm
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Harvard Art Museums
Description
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.
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
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).