Persimmons

Persimmons (kaki) are among the most frequently depicted autumn subjects in Japanese woodblock prints, their bright orange-red globes set against bare branches or gathered in seasonal arrangements. Ohno Bakufu's treatment brings the close observational quality of his natural history work to this botanical subject, attending to the smooth skin of the fruit, the distinctive calyx, and the transition from green to full ripeness. The persimmon's bold color against neutral or darkened grounds suits the woodblock medium well. Whether Ohno presents the fruit on the branch or cut and arranged, the composition likely emphasizes the geometric quality of the rounded forms against spare organic lines, a design sensibility consistent with the broader [kacho-e](/glossary/kacho-e) tradition he worked within alongside his major fish series.