Draft ox (Ushi), antique Japanese print by Kōno Bairei

This art reproduction highlights a Japanese print by the artist Kōno Bairei, depicting a draft ox. The animal, with a black coat and powerful musculature, is represented with great anatomical precision. Details such as the braided saddle and the rope restraining it anchor the scene in a documentary reality. The drawing focuses on the quiet strength and robustness of the animal, against a neutral background that accentuates its presence.

A work by Kōno Bairei (1844-1895), this plate is a remarkable example of Meiji era naturalist art. The artist, known for his studies on fauna and flora, here applies his rigorous observation method to a domestic animal essential to rural Japanese life at the time. This print bears witness to an interest in daily life and work, themes less common in traditional imagery but valued for their authenticity.

This illustration is aimed at lovers of Japanese art, collectors of animal prints or those who appreciate authentic and historical representations. Its expressive strength makes it a piece of character for wall decoration. It invites you to observe the artist's technical mastery and offers a window into 19th-century rural Japan.