Kitten and Lantern
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- c. 1928–1930
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 33.1 × 23.8 cm
- Publisher:
by Ohara Koson
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 kitten bats at a paper lantern — the small domestic scene rendered with the warmth and wit that Koson brought to his animal subjects when depicting household animals rather than wild species. The kitten's play instinct and the lantern's gentle glow create a composition of intimate coziness. Produced around 1928–1930, this print belongs to the domestic series where Koson allowed himself a lighter touch than his more formally rigorous bird-and-flower work.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Kitten and Lantern was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in c. 1928–1930.
Kitten and Lantern was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (c. 1928–1930).
Kitten and Lantern depicts daily life and cats.
Kitten and Lantern measures 33.1 × 23.8 cm (Oban format).
