Snowy eagle on a tree branch 1910 - 1930

Ohara Koson made this woodblock print of a snowy eagle on a tree branch sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Koson's art exemplifies the Shin-Hanga movement, which revitalized traditional ukiyo-e prints by incorporating Western influences, and was closely linked to commercial markets both in Japan and abroad. Koson’s decision to focus on birds and animals, or kacho-e, catered to foreign tastes while also reflecting a broader interest in naturalism. Consider the way the artist captures the texture and volume of the eagle's feathers, achieved through subtle gradations of color and tone. This contrasts with the flat, stylized representations of earlier ukiyo-e prints. The print's composition, with the bird prominently placed against a dark background, creates a sense of immediacy. Understanding Koson's work requires exploring the social and economic conditions that shaped the art market in Japan during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Art historians analyze exhibition records, dealer catalogs, and collectors' accounts to understand the changing tastes that shaped artistic production.