Leaping Fish
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- before 1912
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 34.5 × 18.7 cm
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
A fish leaps from the water in a composition of pure kinetic energy — scale catching light, tail fin fanning out, the body arced in the trajectory of its jump. The pre-1912 date places this among Koson's early works, when he was developing his mastery of the aquatic subject and learning to capture motion within the static woodblock medium. His leaping fish prints established formal solutions that he would refine throughout his career.
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 Fish Prints
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leaping Fish was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in before 1912.
Leaping Fish was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (before 1912).
Leaping Fish depicts fish and animals.
Leaping Fish measures 34.5 × 18.7 cm (Oban format).