ROSEFISH (KASAGO) / Bakufu Ohno
1939

SOLD

$27.00

Rosefish (Kasago)
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 metallic pigment



SOLD

Rosefish (Kasago)
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 metallic pigment



SOLD

 
 
 
 
 

Details

The rosefish is rendered with remarkable authority, its broad head and heavily armored body occupying the composition with sculptural presence. Ohno carefully records the species' intricate surface textures, from the subtle ridges of the skull to the spines and fin structures that distinguish the fish from its more streamlined counterparts. Warm reds and rust tones dominate the palette, punctuated by darker accents that lend depth and dimensionality.

The design reveals a heightened interest in surface complexity. Through precise carving and sophisticated color layering, Ohno creates an image rich in tactile sensation. The fish appears firmly rooted within its environment, conveying a sense of permanence and resilience that reflects its rocky coastal habitat.

Connoisseur's Note

The rosefish belongs to a group of species long valued within regional fishing communities. Its association with rocky shorelines and offshore reefs connected it to some of Japan's most productive coastal ecosystems. Such species formed an important part of local economies and culinary traditions throughout the archipelago.

Artistically, the print demonstrates Ohno's ability to discover beauty in forms that might initially appear coarse or irregular. By approaching the subject with sensitivity and respect, he transforms a rugged fish into an object of visual fascination, expanding conventional notions of natural beauty.

 
 
 

 
 

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