Ronin Gallery, one of the world’s leading galleries specializing in Japanese woodblock prints, is now hosting a unique online exhibit dedicated to the work of Koson Ohara (also known as Shoson or Hoson). Titled “Featured Artist: Koson (aka Hoson, Shoson),” it is part of a series of online exhibitions intended to reintroduce a global audience to the many artists in the gallery’s diverse collection of Japan’s traditional and contemporary artistic talents. The virtual exhibit at Ronin Gallery features some of Ohara’s most notable woodblock prints in a distinctive genre of kacho-e.
Shoson, Three Red Carp, Water Plant Above, 1930, woodblock print, Ronin Gallery, JPR-208133.
Koson Ohara’s Amazing Kacho-e Woodblock Prints at Ronin Gallery
Koson, Quail in Flight, Crescent Moon Above, c. 1912, woodblock print, Ronin Gallery, JP1-49068.
As the name suggests, “Featured Artist: Koson (aka Hoson, Shoson)” is a solo exhibition of the Japanese master Koson Ohara (1877-1945), who used three artist names throughout his career (Koson, Shoson, and Hoson). Often associated with the shin-hanga (“new prints”) movement, Ohara became known for his amazing kacho-e (“bird-and-flower paintings”) performed with an extremely high degree of craftsmanship. The artist literally carried the traditional kacho-e genre into a new era by reinterpreting it through modern eyes for an international audience.
Throughout his artistic career, Koson Ohara worked in different styles and genres, from landscapes to war prints, but his true passion was always with kacho-e. His early works, which were made by the master in narrow formats and soft colors, are now particularly valuable. However, as Ohara used different artistic names to sign his woodblock prints and paintings over the years, dating them is sometimes difficult.
Works by Koson Ohara are now preserved in some of the leading museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the Freer Gallery, among others. They are also in many private collections worldwide.
Be sure to visit Ronin Gallery to enjoy the amazing kacho-e woodblock prints by the prominent Japanese artist. “Featured Artist: Koson (aka Hoson, Shoson)” is one of those online exhibitions you definitely do not want to miss!