Ohara Koson was a Japanese painter and print designer of the late 19th and early 20th century, he was part of the 'shin - hanga' (new prints movement).

Born in Ohara Matao in 1877 he studied at the Ishikawa Prefecture between 1889 - 1893 and studied painting with Suzuki Kason. He moved to Tokyo in the late 1890's where he produced illustrated episodes of the Russo Japanese war, but mostly he produced works of birds and flowers.

He worked at first with publishers Akiyama Buemon and Matsuki Heikichi signing his work Koson. In about 1926 he was associated with the publisher Watanabe Shozaburo, signing his works Sh~oson. He also produced work with the publisher Kawaguchi signing these Hoson.

Earlier works are rarer and most sought after, later prints are usually brighter and were exported to the American market through Watanbe Shozaburo.

His earlier works are less colourful and more likely to be of animal subjects.

This print is estimated to be from 1910 or earlier and is of a very endearing monkey swinging through the bamboo with his gaze distracted by a fly.

This print is in very good condition and comes with its original narrow gold mount and is in its original frame, the frame has some slight damage and aged repair.

Dimensions :

                 Height            43 cm

                 Width             27 cm

Condition :

 Print in very good condition

 Frame slight damage and aged repair