Wisteria and swallows
Ohara Shōson (Koson)
Description
Subject Matter:
Wisteria flowers are very famous flowers in Japan and symbolize love and support. They are used in kabuki theater and have been at the forefront of Japanese arts for a long time. Swallows symbolize good luck, marriage, and fertility. The combination of the swallows and wisteria may give insight into the painting's purpose; perhaps in a married couple's home or as a gift.
Physical Description:
This colorful woodblock print depicts wisteria flowers and two swallows. Falling from the upper right, the wisteria flowers are colored in purple and blue with leaves of green and a brown branch. The swallows are perched in the center of the upper third. One bird has its wings out while the other is at rest. The faces of the swallows are red with black and dark blue wings. Their undersides are white. The background is a pale yellow and there is a signature along the right edge in the middle. Following the signature is a red circular seal.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.