About the Artist
Ohara Koson was a leading Japanese print designer celebrated for kacho-e, the poetic depiction of birds and flowers. Working at the turn of the twentieth century, Koson played a key role in the shin hanga movement, which revitalized traditional woodblock printmaking for a modern audience. His works bridge the refined elegance of the Edo period with a new appreciation for atmosphere and subtle emotion. Koson's prints, admired by collectors in Japan and abroad, continue to evoke a sense of quiet beauty and natural grace.
For those interested in Japanese art, Koson's nature studies offer a contemplative window into the harmony between living creatures and their environment. Discover more in our Ohara Koson collection and explore related Japanese and Asian art prints.
The Artwork
This print of a white peacock was created during a period when Japanese woodblock prints were highly sought after by both domestic and international collectors. The peacock, shown with its tail fully fanned, is a symbol of beauty, renewal, and auspiciousness in Japanese culture. Rather than telling a story, the image is designed to invite quiet contemplation and to serve as a decorative motif that elevates everyday surroundings. Its presence reflects the early twentieth-century enthusiasm for elegant natural subjects and the desire to bring a sense of calm and refinement into the home.
Style & Characteristics
The composition features a luminous white peacock with its plumage spread in a dramatic semicircle. The bird stands gracefully on slender legs against a gentle green background, while the warm beige of the paper adds softness and depth. Subtle feather details and clean outlines highlight the discipline of Japanese woodblock technique, allowing the delicate patterning to remain the focal point. The overall mood is serene and understated, with a restrained palette that enhances the print's tranquil atmosphere.
In Interior Design
This vintage art print pairs beautifully with light woods, natural fibers, and ceramics, and it brings a gentle organic accent to both classic and modern interiors. It is especially well-suited for bedrooms, entryways, or reading corners where its fanlike silhouette can be appreciated. For a harmonious look, consider displaying it alongside other white toned prints or animal subjects from our animal wall art collection. The green and beige tones blend easily with sage, cream, and muted brass, while a black frame can provide a crisp finish. This Japanese vintage print complements minimalist, Japandi, and classic art-inspired spaces without overwhelming the room.
