Scops Owl in Flight, Cherry Blossoms and Full Moon (1926)
by Ohara Koson
Japanese, 1877-1945
Ohara Koson, also known as Ohara Shōson and Ohara Hōson, was a Japanese painter and printmaker, particularly renowned for his kachō-e (bird-and-flower) woodblock prints. Koson’s work was part of the shin-hanga (“new prints”) movement, which revitalized traditional ukiyo-e art by integrating Western elements. He produced a prolific number of prints, many of which were exported to the United States, contributing to his international acclaim.
“Scops Owl in Flight, Cherry Blossoms and Full Moon,” created in 1926, is a quintessential example of Koson’s mastery in capturing the beauty of nature. The woodblock print features a scops owl in mid-flight against a backdrop of cherry blossoms and a full moon, encapsulating the transient beauty of spring and the serene elegance of the nocturnal bird. The owl’s detailed feathers and the delicate petals of the cherry blossoms are set against the muted colors of the night sky, creating a harmonious and dynamic composition. This work reflects the Japanese appreciation of nature’s fleeting moments, a theme often explored in Koson’s art.
The print is celebrated for its fine detail and the interplay of light and shadow, showcasing Koson’s skill in the traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique. “Scops Owl in Flight, Cherry Blossoms and Full Moon” remains a beloved piece for its poetic depiction of nature and its embodiment of the shin-hanga style.
Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging