Sea Robin
by Ohno Bakufu
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
Typical Price
$1,000–$8,000. Common fish prints: $1,000–$2,500. Key value factors: The 'Great Japanese Fish' series is his signature work and most collected. Individual fish prints vary in desirability. Complete sets are rare.
Description
The Sea Robin (Hotaru-dai or Kanagatchi; Chelidonichthys spinosus) is one of Japan's most dramatic-looking fish, its enormously developed pectoral fins spreading like wings when extended — giving it the common English name "sea robin" or "flying gurnard." These fin extensions, used on the seafloor to probe for invertebrate prey, make the fish look unlike almost any other species. Bakufu's rendering of this distinctive creature would have been a highlight of his fish compendium, the extravagant fins offering rich visual drama.
More Prints by Ohno Bakufu
More Seascapes Prints
Child of the Sea
1940
Woodblock print
The Beach at Kaiganji in Sanuki Province (Sanuki Kaiganji no hama), from the series "Collection of Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition (Nihon fukei shu II Kansai hen)"
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
Pacific Ocean, Awa Province (Boshu Taikai), from the series "Souvenirs of Travel, Third Series (Tabi miyage dai sanshu)"
Boshu Taikai
1925
Color woodblock print; oban
Pine Beach at Miho (Miho no Matsubara), from the series "Selection of Views of the Tokaido (Tokaido fukei senshu)"
September 1931
Color woodblock print; oban
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sea Robin was created by Ohno Bakufu (大野麦風).
Sea Robin depicts seascapes.