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

"Long-Eared Owl on Bare Tree Branch" is an exquisite woodblock print crafted by the renowned Japanese artist Ohara Koson (1877-1945). The painting encapsulates the elegance and subtle beauty of the kachō-e (bird-and-flower) genre prevalent in the shin-hanga (new prints) movement, blending traditional Japanese techniques with Western influences.

The composition is strikingly minimalistic, emphasizing the serene and solitary presence of the owl. A long-eared owl, with its distinctive tufted "ears" and sharp, penetrating eyes, perches gingerly on a bare tree branch. The bird's feathers are meticulously detailed, displaying a rich palette of earthy browns, tawny yellows, and touches of white that contrast sharply with the emptiness of the background. The owl's gaze is both majestic and introspective, embodying a sense of quiet strength and wisdom.

The bare branches, rendered in fine, delicate strokes, enhance the sense of isolation and cold associated with the winter season. The stark, almost monochromatic background directs all attention to the owl, allowing viewers to admire the detailed textures of its plumage and the graceful curvature of its form.

Ohara Koson was a prominent figure in early 20th-century Japanese art, known for his depictions of wildlife, particularly birds. Born in Kanazawa, Koson initially studied under Suzuki Kason, a Nihonga painter, but he later became influenced by the shin-hanga movement. This movement aimed to revitalize traditional ukiyo-e art with contemporary sensibilities, combining detailed naturalism with traditional woodblock techniques.

Throughout his career, Koson produced numerous prints that captured the beauty of nature with serene and often understated compositions. "Long-Eared Owl on Bare Tree Branch" epitomizes his skill in creating harmony and balance between the subject and its environment, with an emphasis on realism, texture, and muted color palettes that evoke a tranquil mood.

This painting fits seamlessly into the shin-hanga movement, characterized by its blend of traditional Japanese woodblock printing methods and a renewed emphasis on realism and naturalism. The shin-hanga artists, including Koson, sought to capture fleeting moments in nature, imbuing their work with a sense of tranquility and reverence for the natural world.

"Long-Eared Owl on Bare Tree Branch" not only showcases Koson's expertise in animal portraiture but also reflects his broader commitment to capturing the ethereal beauty and quiet dignity of wildlife. His prints often evoke a meditative response, encouraging viewers to pause and reflect on the delicate balance of nature.

While "Long-Eared Owl on Bare Tree Branch" is widely reproduced and admired, information regarding the specific museum housing the original print can vary as many of Koson's works were produced in editions and spread across various collections worldwide. Some of his notable works are part of permanent collections in museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, the British Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.

Koson's oeuvre has garnered international acclaim, particularly in Western countries where there has been a longstanding fascination with Japanese woodblock prints. His legacy endures through the pervasive influence his serene and intricately detailed depictions of nature have had on both Japanese and global art scenes.

In summary, "Long-Eared Owl on Bare Tree Branch" by Ohara Koson captures a moment of serene beauty through meticulous detail and compositional elegance, serving as a testament to the artist's mastery within the shin-hanga movement. The painting remains a poignant reminder of the timeless allure of the natural world, as seen through the eyes of one of Japan's most celebrated bird-and-flower artists.