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CRUCIAN (FUNA) / Bakufu Ohno
1938
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
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
Details
The crucian carp is depicted with characteristic solidity and restraint. Its rounded form occupies the composition with quiet confidence, while subtle variations of gray, silver, and muted gold create a rich yet understated surface. Ohno avoids dramatic effects, instead relying upon careful observation and refined printing techniques to convey the fish's physical presence.
The simplicity of the design is one of its greatest strengths. By eliminating unnecessary visual distractions, the artist directs attention toward the essential qualities of the species itself. The print reflects a mature understanding of composition, demonstrating how balance and proportion can generate visual interest without recourse to complexity.
Connoisseur's Note
For centuries, crucian carp have played an important role in Japanese freshwater fisheries and regional food traditions. Their presence in ponds, rivers, and lakes connected them closely to everyday life, particularly in rural communities. As a result, the species carries associations distinct from the more celebratory symbolism of sea bream or carp.
Ohno's decision to include such a familiar fish within the series reflects the democratic spirit of his project. He sought not merely to depict celebrated species but to document the full diversity of Japan's aquatic world. In doing so, he created a portrait of the nation's natural heritage that was both comprehensive and deeply humane.
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