pic13696 Bakufu Ohno

The artwork presents a stylized depiction of a rooster perched on a branch against a muted grey background. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the birds elongated form and its interaction with the surrounding foliage.
Here we see a deliberate simplification of natural forms; the rooster’s anatomy is rendered in broad strokes, prioritizing decorative effect over realistic representation. Its plumage displays a vibrant palette – crimson crest, emerald green neck feathers, and a striking contrast between the white body and the flowing blue tail feathers. These colors are applied with a clarity that suggests an intentional flatness, characteristic of certain printmaking traditions.
The branch on which the rooster sits is rendered in dark brown tones, providing a grounding element within the composition. Above it, sparse leaves emerge from the same branch, their muted green hues echoing the color found in the bird’s neck feathers. The backgrounds monochromatic grey creates a sense of distance and allows the vibrant colors of the rooster to stand out prominently.
The artist placed the rooster slightly off-center, creating an asymmetrical balance that draws the eye along the length of its tail feathers. These feathers cascade downwards, forming graceful curves that contribute to the overall elegance of the piece. The lower portion of the composition is occupied by a continuation of these flowing lines, further emphasizing movement and dynamism.
Subtly integrated into the bottom edge are small inscriptions in what appears to be an Asian script, alongside two circular seals – likely artist’s marks or collectors stamps. These elements add layers of cultural context and provenance to the work.
The painting evokes a sense of restrained elegance and symbolic richness. The rooster, often associated with dawn, renewal, and masculinity, is presented not as a creature of the wild but as an emblem of refined beauty. The deliberate stylization and limited color palette suggest a focus on aesthetic harmony rather than naturalistic detail, hinting at a cultural tradition that values decorative patterns and symbolic representation over strict realism.