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

Visual and Stylistic Analysis:
"Water Lily" by Ohara Koson is an enchanting woodblock print capturing a serene and poetic moment in the natural world. The print features a single, elegant white water lily in full bloom, floating serenely on the surface of a still pond. The lily’s petals are delicately detailed, with subtle gradations of white and hints of soft pink, exuding a sense of purity and tranquility. The surrounding water is rendered in deep, cool shades of blue and green, possibly reflecting the sky and the foliage, creating an almost dreamlike quality. The water is replete with light ripples and reflections, enhancing the overall tranquility of the scene.

Koson's mastery of the shin-hanga movement (a modern art movement in Japan that broadly translates to "new prints") is evident in this work. The lily is beautifully balanced against the negative space of the water, drawing the viewer’s eye to the intricate detailing of the flower. The composition echoes traditional Japanese aesthetics that emphasize simplicity, balance, and the fleeting beauty of nature. There’s an understated elegance in the minimalistic approach, with Koson using color and line work to highlight the delicate nature of the water lily.

Artistic Background and Career Context:
Ohara Koson (1877-1945), also known as Shoson or Hoson, was a prominent figure of the shin-hanga movement, which emerged in the early 20th century as a response to modernization and Western influence in Japan. Shin-hanga sought to revive the traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing art form while infusing it with contemporary sensibilities. Koson’s work is celebrated for its exquisite depiction of birds, flowers, and landscapes, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern touch. His prints were highly popular among Western collectors in the early 20th century, contributing to the global appreciation of Japanese art.

"Water Lily" fits seamlessly into Koson's oeuvre, which frequently centered on intimate and evocative scenes from nature. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to convey the essence of natural subjects with delicate lines and subtle color palettes is a hallmark of his style.

Noteworthy Details and Provenance:
While Ohara Koson's prints were widely circulated and collected, specific details about the exact location and ownership of individual pieces like "Water Lily" can vary. Many of his works are held in private collections, while others are featured in museum collections worldwide. Institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York have been known to house or exhibit his works, celebrating Koson’s contribution to the shin-hanga movement.

The "Water Lily" print reflects not only Koson’s technical skill as a woodblock artist but also his deep appreciation for the serene beauty of the natural world. The piece serves as an evocative reminder of the transience and purity inherent in nature, a theme deeply rooted in Japanese culture and art.

Overall, "Water Lily" by Ohara Koson is a quintessential example of the artist’s ability to capture nature’s ephemeral beauty through the delicate and refined medium of woodblock printing, a testament to his significant role in the shin-hanga movement.