Monkeys and Persimmon
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- c. 1928–1930
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 33.1 × 23.9 cm
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
Two monkeys in a persimmon tree — one perhaps reaching for fruit, the other watching from a branch below — give Koson a subject combining the primate's impish energy with the persimmon's autumnal warmth. The kaki tree loaded with orange fruit was a beloved subject in Japanese art, and placing monkeys in it creates natural narrative: the animals attracted by the fruit, their movements among the branches creating a scene of casual animal life. The combination of soft color and active figures is characteristic of his 1928–1930 period.
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 Food & Drink Prints
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monkeys and Persimmon was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in c. 1928–1930.
Monkeys and Persimmon was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (c. 1928–1930).
Monkeys and Persimmon depicts food & drink and animals.
Monkeys and Persimmon measures 33.1 × 23.9 cm (Oban format).