Horse Under Willow Tree
Japanese woodblock print (ukiyo-e / shin-hanga format) on paper • Attributed to Ohara Koson (Shōson) or manner of traditional Japanese shin-hanga printmakers focusing on animal subjects
Style & Movement
Shin-hanga (New Prints) / Traditional Japanese Woodblock
Medium & Technique
Polychrome woodblock printing (nishiki-e) utilizing multiple carved woodblocks for colored areas and ink line work, with bokashi (gradation) printing technique on the background.
Creation Period
20th Century (likely Shōwa period, c. 1930s-1950s)
Dimensions & Format
Vertical portrait format, approximately 15 x 10 inches (print size), medium format
Subject Description
A dynamic composition depicting a white horse rolling or kicking playfully beneath the drooping branches of a willow tree. The background features a soft blue and white gradient representing atmospheric light or sky, and the lower left corner contains Japanese calligraphic signatures and a red artist seal.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper exhibits natural toning and slight yellowing consistent with age, but the printed pigments remain relatively vibrant with minor foxing spots visible.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $200 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a mid-20th-century souvenir or decorative art import from Japan, passing through Western private collections.
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the enduring popularity of animal iconography in traditional and modern Japanese printmaking, bridging the gap between classical ukiyo-e and the early 20th-century shin-hanga revival.
Notable Features
Clear bokashi color gradation in the background and foreground, expressive calligraphic artist signature accompanied by a traditional red stamp (seal) in the lower left quadrant.
Condition Issues
Age-related paper toning, minor foxing spots on the upper right margin area, and acidic mat burn around the edges of the print.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Recommend reframing with acid-free matting and UV-filtering acrylic to prevent further fading and mat burn.