Kacho Ga Appraisal

Kachō-ga Japanese Woodblock Print After Ohara Koson

This item is a framed Japanese woodblock print, or 'hanga,' depicting a long-tailed bird, likely a pheasant or similar species, in a classic Kachō-ga (flower-and-bird) style. The composition features a large, dark-bodied bird with a stylized long tail positioned diagonally across the frame. In the upper right quadrant, there are decorative elements including cherry blossoms and a bold, orange-toned background segment. The print appears to be housed in a contemporary dark-finished wooden frame with red decorative accents along the inner edge, protected by a white mat and glazing. A vertical calligraphic signature and artist's seal are visible on the left side, identifying the work as being in the style of Ohara Koson (Shoson), a master of the Shin-hanga movement. The paper displays a smooth texture characteristic of washi, though it is difficult to determine if this is an original early 20th-century strike or a late 20th-century reprint. The condition appears stable with no immediate signs of foxing, though the colors in the background segment show a slight saturation consistent with modern high-quality reproduction. The framing provides a finished presentation, though it may not be museum-grade archival quality.