<b>PAIR OF STARLINGS ON A TWIG</b> / Ohara Koson20th Century$1,200</em>
ARTIST: Ohara Koson (1877–1945)
TITLE: Starlings on a Twig
MEDIUM: Woodblock
DATE: 20th Century
DIMENSIONS: 14 ½ x 6 5/8 inches
CONDITION: No condition problems to note
LITERATURE: Amy Newland et al., Crows, Cranes & Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson 1877-1945, 2001, p. 72, cat. K.27.1; full-page illustration on p. 128
$1,200.00
ARTIST: Ohara Koson (1877–1945)
TITLE: Starlings on a Twig
MEDIUM: Woodblock
DATE: 20th Century
DIMENSIONS: 14 ½ x 6 5/8 inches
CONDITION: No condition problems to note
LITERATURE: Amy Newland et al., Crows, Cranes & Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson 1877-1945, 2001, p. 72, cat. K.27.1; full-page illustration on p. 128
$1,200.00
ARTIST: Ohara Koson (1877–1945)
TITLE: Starlings on a Twig
MEDIUM: Woodblock
DATE: 20th Century
DIMENSIONS: 14 ½ x 6 5/8 inches
CONDITION: No condition problems to note
LITERATURE: Amy Newland et al., Crows, Cranes & Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson 1877-1945, 2001, p. 72, cat. K.27.1; full-page illustration on p. 128
$1,200.00
Details
Two starlings are perched on a single branch. Their attention is directed out toward the right of the viewer, far past the composition. Koson masterfully makes the tree branch the birds rest on much more pronounced, which brings the birds closer to the viewer. The tree's trunk, shown in the background, is awash in lighter grays which convincingly conveys depth. The bird's yellow eyes, beaks, and claws are the brightest part of the design and command attention. However, the stunning use of bokashi, or color gradation, interlaced throughout the composition makes this design one of Koson's most desirable prints. The bokashi is particularly visible in the bird's plumage, the tree bark, and the background suggesting an ethereal mist.
Connoisseur's Note
This particular impression is noteworthy for its visible wood grain in the background accompanied by a dramatic bokashi throughout the composition.
The print has never been framed or displayed for extended periods. As a result, it is in an outstanding state of preservation.
