Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

The painting "Blossoming Cherry on a Moonlit Night" by Ohara Koson is an exquisite example of the traditional Japanese art form of woodblock printing, known as "ukiyo-e." This work of art captures a serene and ethereal scene of a cherry tree in full bloom bathed in soft moonlight. The delicate cherry blossoms, rendered with masterful precision and subtlety, seem almost to glow against the deep, luminous backdrop of the night sky. Each petal, intricately defined, conveys a sense of fragility and ephemeral beauty, underscoring the transient nature of cherry blossoms, a symbol often celebrated in Japanese culture.

The moon itself is a dominant yet serenely calming presence in the composition. Its round, luminous form occupies a central position in the upper portion of the artwork, casting a gentle, silvery light that subtly illuminates the cherry blossoms and the surrounding area. The glow of the moon enhances the sense of depth and atmosphere, creating a harmonious balance between the glowing celestial body and the intricate natural world below.

Ohara Koson's meticulous attention to detail is evident in this painting, particularly in the rendering of textures. The intricate patterns of the bark of the cherry tree, the delicate veins in the petals, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow all demonstrate the artist's technical prowess and his commitment to capturing the beauty of the natural world with fidelity and nuance. The color palette, predominantly cool hues of soft pinks, whites, and gentle blues, contributes to the tranquil mood of the scene, evoking a sense of peace and contemplation.

Information About the Original Painting and the Artist

Ohara Koson (1877-1945), who also worked under the names Shoson and Hoson, is renowned for his contributions to the "shin-hanga" (new prints) movement during the early 20th century. This movement sought to revive and modernize traditional ukiyo-e techniques, blending them with contemporary artistic sensibilities. Koson is particularly celebrated for his kachō-e (bird-and-flower) prints, noting his unique ability to infuse his subjects with life and emotion.

The original painting "Blossoming Cherry on a Moonlit Night" is part of a celebrated collection of Koson's works. It can be seen in various forms in several major museums worldwide. However, most of his oeuvre is widely collected and treasured by art enthusiasts and is often displayed in institutions specializing in Japanese art, such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Tokyo National Museum. Moreover, Koson's work is featured in numerous private collections and often appears in exhibitions dedicated to Japanese woodblock printing.

In the context of Koson's career, "Blossoming Cherry on a Moonlit Night" epitomizes his transition into the shin-hanga style, reflecting his keen observational skills and his ability to evoke emotion through natural scenes. This painting, like many of his works, exhibits the fusion of traditional ukiyo-e elements with the emotive, atmospheric qualities that defined the shin-hanga movement.

Noteworthy details in the painting include Koson's adept use of negative space, common in Japanese art, which draws the viewer's eye towards the central elements and enhances the overall sense of tranquility. The interplay of light and shadow, the meticulous rendering of natural details, and the evocative portrayal of the cherry blossoms all speak to Koson's mastery of his craft and his profound appreciation for the fleeting beauty of nature.

In conclusion, "Blossoming Cherry on a Moonlit Night" by Ohara Koson is a masterful work that encapsulates the artist's skills, his dedication to the shin-hanga movement, and his ability to capture the ephemeral beauty of the natural world in a deeply contemplative and visually stunning manner.