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

Ohara Koson's "Peacock" is a striking early 20th-century woodblock print that embodies the elegance and grace associated with Nihonga, a Japanese painting style that incorporates traditional Japanese art techniques with Western influences. The painting skillfully showcases a solitary peacock poised amidst an ethereal setting, instantaneously capturing attention with its majestic aura.

The peacock’s plumage is depicted in exquisite detail – the elongated tail feathers cascade down with a blend of iridescent blues, emerald greens, and golden hues. Each eye-spotted feather seems to shimmer, giving the illusion of movement and depth. The intricate patterns and delicate lines Koson employs to recreate the feathery textures exemplify his mastery in the woodblock medium.

Set against a minimalist background, possibly a serene garden or an idyllic natural scene, the peacock stands out even more vividly. The backdrop varies in gentle tones of earthy browns and soft greens, providing a harmonious contrast to the bird's vibrant colors. The framing of the composition allows the viewer's eyes to be naturally drawn towards the peacock's majestic feathers and elegant posture.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:

Ohara Koson (1877-1945), also known as Ohara Shoson and Ohara Hōson, was a prominent Japanese painter and printmaker known for his expertise in Kachō-ga (bird-and-flower paintings). Koson's body of work was largely influential during the Shin-Hanga movement, which was a 20th-century revitalization of ukiyo-e, blending traditional Japanese subjects with Western painting techniques and tastes, particularly post-impressionism.

The "Peacock" woodblock print situates neatly within Koson's career and artistically ventures. He produced it during a time when he focused intensely on capturing birds and flowers in their natural grace and beauty. Koson’s works were well received both in Japan and abroad, particularly in Western countries, where his intricate and refined style garnered great appreciation.

As per current records, original prints by Ohara Koson can be found in prestigious collections such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the British Museum in London, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. These institutions hold extensive collections of Japanese prints and have cataloged several of Koson’s works, an acknowledgment of their significance and artistic prowess.

Other Noteworthy Details:

- The painting solidifies Koson's reputation as a master of atmospheric and detailed natural subjects. His careful attention to the peacock's embellishments represents not only artistic precision but also a deep reverence for nature's intricacy.
- Koson’s work was part of a broader movement to preserve and reinterpret Japan’s cultural heritage during a period of modernization and Western influence. The fine lines and subtle gradations are reminiscent of traditional Japanese aesthetics, while the overall composition’s accessibility demonstrates the convergence of Eastern art with Western sensibilities.
- His collaboration with Watanabe Shozaburo, a key figure in the Shin-Hanga movement who published many of his prints, helped him reach a wider audience and secure his place in the annals of Japanese art history.

In conclusion, Ohara Koson's "Peacock" stands as a seminal work that beautifully encapsulates the elegance and technical complexity of Japanese printmaking. It remains a quintessential representation of the Shin-Hanga movement and Koson’s enduring legacy in the world of art.