Kono Bairei - Born in Kyoto in 1844, Kono Bairei studied classical Japanese painting with masters of several different schools. He helped found the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting and later opened his own studio, earning recognition as a devoted teacher. Bairei applied his naturalistic style of painting to woodblock prints during the Meiji era, producing the lovely kacho-e or birds and flowers prints for which he is famed.

Bairei's Album of One Hundred Birds - Kono Bairei's wonderful series "Bairei's Album of One Hundred Birds," was first published in three small format volumes in 1881, with a supplement featuring new designs following in 1884, also in three volumes. These lovely designs feature birds in their natural habitats, among trees, flowers, and plants, in a variety of seasons. The prints are primarily in black and gray with a few accents of soft, warm colors. The prints in this group come from a larger, oban size edition that is rarely seen. Carefully observed and drawn with fine calligraphic line work, these prints are an excellent example of Bairei's kacho-e.

Artist - Kono Bairei (1844 - 1895)

Image Size - 12 5/8" x 17 1/2"+ margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. Stitching holes at one side of each panel. Small loss in margin, repaired. A couple wrinkles. Please see photos for details.