ROCK SEA BREAM (ISHIDAI) / Bakufu Ohno
1939

SOLD

$29.00

Rock Sea Bream (Ishidai)
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



SOLD

Rock Sea Bream (Ishidai)
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



SOLD

 
 
 
 
 

Details

The rock sea bream's bold black bands immediately establish a powerful visual rhythm. Ohno uses these markings to structure the composition, creating a harmonious interplay between pattern and form. The strong contrast between the dark stripes and the lighter body produces an image of exceptional clarity and impact.

Despite the graphic strength of the design, the artist remains attentive to subtler aspects of the fish's appearance. Delicate tonal transitions model the body, while finely printed details preserve the individuality of the species. The result is a composition that balances decorative abstraction with scientific accuracy.

Connoisseur's Note

Among the many species represented in the series, the rock sea bream demonstrates nature's own capacity for sophisticated design. Its distinctive striping recalls patterns found in textiles, ceramics, and other decorative arts, making it a particularly appealing subject for an artist deeply attuned to visual structure.

Collectors often regard this design as one of the most memorable in Volume II. The immediate visual impact of the patterning ensures its appeal, while the underlying refinement of the composition rewards sustained study.

 
 
 

 
 

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