Ohara Koson Japanese Fine Art Print, Monkey in a Tree

Ohara Koson Monkey in a Tree Print

Monkey in a Tree shows Ohara Koson's remarkable ability to bring character to an animal using an exceptionally restrained composition.

A monkey sits on the branch of a persimmon tree while a ripe orange fruit appears nearby. The muted grey background removes almost every distraction, concentrating attention on the animal, branch and single point of colour.

Monkey in a Persimmon Tree

The persimmon is an important visual element despite occupying only a small part of the image.

Its warm orange colour immediately attracts the eye, creating a relationship between the fruit and the perched monkey.

The branch establishes the structure of the composition, while the monkey's compact body and attentive pose supply the focal point.

Character Through Observation

Koson's finest animal prints are convincing because they do not simply reproduce anatomy.

Posture is equally important.

In Monkey in a Tree, the animal appears alert and self-contained. Its position on the branch suggests both weight and balance, while the surrounding emptiness intensifies the viewer's attention.

The result feels almost like a portrait rather than a generic wildlife illustration.

Minimalism Before Modernism

The design demonstrates why Koson's work translates so naturally into contemporary interiors.

A limited number of forms occupy a tall, narrow field. Grey background, dark animal, branch and orange fruit are enough to construct the complete image.

This use of negative space gives the print a simplicity closely aligned with modern Japanese and minimalist design principles.

About Ohara Koson

Ohara Koson (1877–1945) is best known for Japanese bird-and-flower prints, but his wider output also includes monkeys, foxes, fish, insects and other animals.

He worked with several specialist Japanese woodblock publishers and became particularly admired for the combination of subtle colour and natural observation seen throughout his animal subjects.

Koson's work bridges traditional ukiyo-e production and the later shin-hanga revival, while retaining a highly individual sensitivity to wildlife.

Displaying Monkey in a Tree

The grey, black and warm orange palette makes this an unusually versatile Japanese animal print.

It works especially well in studies, living rooms, hallways and reading areas, where the quiet composition can be viewed at close range.

Natural timber, cream, putty and warm grey interiors complement the understated colours particularly well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tree is shown?

The monkey is perched in a persimmon tree, with a ripe orange persimmon visible in the composition.

When did Koson create the design?

The Rijksmuseum dates the colour woodblock print broadly between 1900 and 1930.

Did Koson create animal prints as well as bird prints?

Yes. Although birds dominate his output, he also designed prints of monkeys, fish, foxes and other animals.

Why does the composition feel so modern?

Koson uses a limited palette, very few objects and extensive negative space, giving the design exceptional visual clarity.

What interiors suit Monkey in a Tree?

It is particularly well suited to Japanese-inspired, Japandi, Scandinavian, minimalist and neutral contemporary interiors.

All orders for unframed fine art prints and original paintings are dispatched within 2 working days of receipt of payment.

Orders for custom framed prints are dispatched within 4 working days.

All orders are fully tracked from dispatch to delivery at your home or business.

All print and original painting orders are fully insured against loss or damage in transit. We refund or replace any damaged or lost orders.

Buy with confidence - read what our satisfied customers have to say - Reviews

Fine art papers are printed without any additional white border Please let us know at the time of ordering if you would like a small additional white border.

Rolled canvas options have an additional white border of approximately 2.5 inches (7cm) on all 4 sides to aid stretching.

Ready to hang canvas panels are stretched on 1.5 inch deep solid pine frames from sustainable forestry sources. The image is mirrored on all 4 sides to give an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Why not have us gift wrap your order and attach a personalised message to the recipient. Available for all orders. Each order is hand wrapped in high quality gift wrap with meatllic ribbon and bow. Your personalised message is printed on a card which is included with your order.

Have your hand wrapped gift delivered directly to the recipient.

Full tracking and insurance included with every order.

Please note design may vary depending upon availability

Just purchase the gift wrap option HERE