Hanga
Monkey Catching a Bee by Ohara Koson — Japanese Woodblock print, ink and color on paper, c. 1928–1930

Monkey Catching a Bee

by Ohara Koson

Shin-hanga
InsectsAnimals
Date:
c. 1928–1930
Medium:
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Format:
Oban
Dimensions:
23.5 × 25 cm
Edition:
Published by Watanabe Shozaburo

Description

A monkey reaches toward a bee, its expression caught between curiosity and the first realization that the small winged creature may not be safely touchable. Koson's monkey-and-bee subjects are among his most comic — the primate's intelligence and dexterity applied to a situation beyond its immediate comprehension. Produced around 1928–1930, this print demonstrates his capacity for warmth and humor within a tradition that could easily become merely decorative.

More Prints by Ohara Koson

Cat and Goldfish by Ohara Koson

Cat and Goldfish

c. 1928–1930

Woodblock print, ink and color on paper

Heron or Egret by Ohara Koson

Heron or Egret

c. 1900–1945

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"Snipes and Reeds," 1926 and "Wild Ducks and Pampas Grass" by Ohara Koson

"Snipes and Reeds," 1926 and "Wild Ducks and Pampas Grass"

Two woodblocks in colors (framed separately)

Barn Swallow in flight by Ohara Koson

Barn Swallow in flight

Mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock)

More Insects Prints

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Hotaru Gari- Firefly Hunting

Not set

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Chrysanthemums and Bee, from an untitled series of Large Flowers by Katsushika Hokusai

Chrysanthemums and Bee, from an untitled series of Large Flowers

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Butterfly and Blue Flower by Yoshijiro Urushibara

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Ancient Sea, Spider Conch (27/45) by Mayumi Oda

Ancient Sea, Spider Conch (27/45)

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Featured in Collections

Curated cross-cuts that include this print.

Shin-Hanga: Japan's Twentieth-Century Print Revival

Frequently Asked Questions

Monkey Catching a Bee was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in c. 1928–1930.

Monkey Catching a Bee was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (c. 1928–1930).

Monkey Catching a Bee depicts insects and animals.

Monkey Catching a Bee measures 23.5 × 25 cm (Oban format).