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CARP (KOI) / Bakufu Ohno
1937
RESERVED
Carp (Koi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Carp (Koi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Details
Ohno presents the koi with a commanding physical presence. The broad body occupies much of the composition, allowing the viewer to appreciate the intricate arrangement of scales and the subtle modulation of color across its surface. The artist carefully balances areas of concentrated detail with passages of visual restraint, preventing the composition from becoming overly descriptive. Delicate gradations within the fins and tail contribute a sense of movement, while the surrounding water remains understated and atmospheric.
Particularly impressive is the print's treatment of texture. Through a combination of embossing and nuanced color application, the scales acquire an almost tactile quality. Light appears to move across the fish's body, emphasizing the technical sophistication of the printing process. Such effects demonstrate the extraordinary collaboration between artist, carver, and printer that distinguishes the finest examples of prewar shin-hanga production.
Connoisseur's Note
No fish carries greater symbolic weight in Japanese culture than the carp. Associated with perseverance, determination, and success, the koi became an enduring emblem of personal aspiration. Legends describing carp ascending waterfalls and transforming into dragons made the species a potent symbol of achievement and advancement.
For collectors, Ohno's koi designs represent one of the clearest demonstrations of his ability to merge cultural symbolism with natural observation. Rather than relying solely upon decorative appeal, he imbues the fish with a sense of quiet strength and dignity. The resulting image transcends its role as a zoological study and becomes a meditation on resilience itself
More prints by Bakufu Ohno:
Mebaru (Rockfish)
Bakufu Ohno (1888-1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan; Vol. 1 No. 7
MEDIUM: Woodblock Print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 15 5/8 x 11 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
LITERATURE: Reita Hirase, Akira Tomita, Hiroko Shimizu, Art Portfolio of Fishes by Bakufu Ohno, 2013
SOLD
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Flying Fishes (Tobiuo)
Bakufu Ohno (1888-1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan
MEDIUM: Woodblock Print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 11 x 15 5/8 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note—tipped onto original presentation mat; not framed
LITERATURE: Reita Hirase, Akira Tomita, Hiroko Shimizu, Art Portfolio of Fishes by Bakufu Ohno, 2013, pl. 58
SOLD
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Lobster
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock Print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 11 1/8 × 15 ¾ inches
CONDITION: Excellent; vibrant and vivid colors; no problems to note
NOTE: Second edition
$950.00
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File-Fish (Kawahagi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock Print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 11 1/8 × 15 ¾ inches
CONDITION: Excellent; crisp impression with vivid color and silver mica background; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition, with publisher’s circle and rectangular seals
SOLD
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Flying Fish
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock Print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 11 1/8 × 15 ¾ inches
CONDITION: Excellent; crisp impression with vivid color and silver mica highlights; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition, with publisher’s circle and rectangular seals
SOLD
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Boxfish
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
MEDIUM: Sumi on paper
DATE: 1940s
DIMENSIONS: 49 × 8 ½ inches (image), 73 × 9 ¾ inches with mount
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: Original painting mounted as a hanging scroll
RESERVED
Lobster (Iseebi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Bera
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 15 × 10 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold and silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Sea Bream (Tai)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 15 × 10 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold and silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Sea Bream (Tai)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 15 × 10 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold and silver metallic pigment
SOLD
Carp (Koi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Mackerel (Saba)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Brocade Carp (Higoi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Sea Robin (Hobo)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Striped Isagi (Shimaisagi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1937
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver and gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
File-Fish (Kawahagi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
File-Fish (Kawahagi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: Early second edition; silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Goldfish (Kingyo)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 15 × 10 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Crucian (Funa)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 15 × 10 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Flying Fish (Tobiuo)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver metallic pigment
SOLD
Flying Fish (Tobiuo)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Rainbow Trout (Nijimasu)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Rainbow Trout (Nijimasu)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver and gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Rockfish (Mebaru)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Flounder Flatfish (Karei)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 15 × 10 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Flounder Flatfish (Karei)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume I
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 15 × 10 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold metallic pigment
RESERVED
Catfish (Namazu)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume II
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1938
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
School of Higai Fish
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume II
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1939
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold and silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
Oikawa
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
SERIES: Familiar Fishes of Japan, Volume II
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1939
DIMENSIONS: 10 × 15 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: First edition; gold and silver metallic pigment
RESERVED
c. 1930s
RESERVED
Carp (Koi)
Bakufu Ohno (1888–1976)
MEDIUM: Sumi and mineral pigment on paper
DATE: c. 1930s
DIMENSIONS: 17 × 20 inches (image), 52 x 26 inches with mount
CONDITION: Light staining in image
NOTE: Original painting mounted as a hanging scroll
RESERVED