{"title":"Kono Bairei","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"girl-holding-a-cricket-cage-kono-bairei","title":"Girl Holding a Cricket Cage - Kono Bairei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA delicate ink study by Kono Bairei depicting a girl holding a traditional insect cage, rendered with the fluid brushwork of the Meiji period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ink study by Kono Bairei captures a quiet moment of observation. The artist, a prominent figure in the Kyoto art scene during the Meiji period, was known for his mastery of traditional brush techniques. His work often focused on the natural world, yet this piece turns its attention to a human subject. The girl is depicted in a simple kimono, holding a small box designed for housing insects, a common practice in Japanese culture that reflects a seasonal appreciation for nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe execution relies on the economy of the brush. Bairei uses varying pressure to define the folds of the fabric and the posture of the figure. The lines are fluid, showing the confidence of a practitioner trained in the Maruyama-Shijo school, which prioritised direct observation and a naturalistic approach to form. There is no background detail, which allows the viewer to focus entirely on the interaction between the girl and the object she holds. The soft, grey tones of the ink suggest a gentle light, avoiding the harshness of high-contrast woodblock prints of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBairei was a teacher as much as a painter, and this sketch likely served as a demonstration of how to capture a figure with minimal strokes. The composition is balanced, with the weight of the girl's kimono providing a stable base for the more delicate rendering of her hands and the cage. It is a study in restraint, demonstrating how a few well-placed marks can convey both form and a sense of stillness. This print offers a glimpse into the daily life and aesthetic values of late nineteenth-century Japan, presented with the clarity and technical precision associated with Bairei's hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/the-actor-segawa-kikunojo-ii-as-the-courtesan-umegae-suzuki-harunobu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as the Courtesan Umegae - Suzuki Harunobu — Suzuki Harunobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kōno Bairei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58985506472271,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58985513713999,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58985513746767,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58985513779535,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58985513812303,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58985513845071,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58985513877839,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58985513910607,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58985513943375,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58985513976143,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58985514008911,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58985514041679,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Girl-Holding-a-Cricket-Cage_Poster_CompositorV1_1790937719763.jpg?v=1790938357"},{"product_id":"branch-of-begonia-in-bloom-kono-bairei","title":"Branch of Begonia in Bloom - Kono Bairei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA delicate ink wash study of a begonia branch by Kono Bairei, capturing the organic form through subtle tonal variations and precise brushwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKono Bairei was a master of the Kyoto school of painting, known for his dedication to the kacho-ga tradition, which translates to pictures of flowers and birds. This study of a begonia branch demonstrates the economy of means characteristic of his approach. Bairei utilised the traditional ink wash technique to capture the organic form of the plant, relying on the variation of ink density to suggest volume and texture rather than rigid outlines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is sparse, allowing the negative space of the paper to function as an active element. The leaves are rendered with broad, wet brushstrokes that bleed slightly into the paper, creating a soft, naturalistic edge. The veins are added with finer, darker lines, providing structural clarity to the foliage. The small, delicate blossoms at the top of the stem provide a counterpoint to the heavier, rounded leaves below. This balance between the weight of the foliage and the lightness of the flowers is a hallmark of Bairei's observational style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBairei was instrumental in the development of modern Japanese art education in Kyoto, and his work often bridged the gap between traditional Edo-period aesthetics and the more naturalistic tendencies that emerged during the Meiji era. His prints and paintings were widely circulated, influencing both local students and international collectors who were drawn to the simplicity and technical precision of his brushwork. This piece is a clear example of his ability to distil a complex botanical subject into a singular, harmonious image. It avoids unnecessary detail, focusing instead on the essential character of the begonia. The muted palette of greys and blacks ensures that the focus remains on the form and the rhythmic quality of the composition, making it a quiet addition to any collection of Japanese art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/the-actor-segawa-kikunojo-ii-as-the-courtesan-umegae-suzuki-harunobu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as the Courtesan Umegae - Suzuki Harunobu — Suzuki Harunobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kōno Bairei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59006687805775,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59006701928783,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59006701961551,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59006701994319,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59006702027087,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59006702059855,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59006702092623,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59006702125391,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59006702158159,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59006702190927,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59006702223695,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59006702256463,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Branch-of-Begonia-in-Bloom_Poster_CompositorV1_1791161929916.jpg?v=1791163841"},{"product_id":"dancer-in-a-fishermans-costume-kono-bairei","title":"Dancer in a Fisherman's Costume - Kono Bairei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA minimalist ink study by Kono Bairei depicting a figure in traditional fisherman's attire, captured with fluid, calligraphic brushwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ink study by Kono Bairei captures a figure dressed in the traditional attire of a fisherman. Bairei, a Kyoto-based artist associated with the Maruyama-Shijo school, was known for his technical precision and his focus on natural subjects. This work demonstrates his ability to convey character and movement through minimal brushwork. The artist employs a restrained palette, relying on varying densities of ink to define the form of the dancer and the texture of the costume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is sparse, focusing entirely on the figure against a plain background. The lines are fluid, reflecting the calligraphic traditions of Japanese ink painting. Bairei uses thin, controlled strokes to outline the profile of the face and the structure of the garments, while broader, wetter washes of ink suggest the weight of the fabric and the texture of the basket carried on the back. The slight tilt of the head and the posture suggest a moment of pause during a performance or a rehearsal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a study, this piece offers a view into the artist's working method. It lacks the heavy ornamentation found in finished woodblock prints, instead prioritising the economy of line. The work reflects the aesthetic values of the late nineteenth century in Japan, where the study of human form and traditional dress remained a subject of interest for artists trained in classical techniques. The paper shows signs of age, which complements the monochromatic nature of the ink. This print is suitable for those who appreciate the discipline of traditional Japanese brushwork and the quiet observation of historical costume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/memory-of-a-voyage-rene-magritte\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMemory of a Voyage - René Magritte — René Magritte\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/lady-ise-by-the-riverbank-nishikawa-sukenobu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eLady Ise by the Riverbank - Nishikawa Sukenobu — Nishikawa Sukenobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kono Bairei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59032597004623,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59033028493647,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59033028526415,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59033028559183,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59033028591951,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59033028624719,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59033028657487,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59033028690255,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59033028723023,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59033028755791,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59033028788559,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59033028821327,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Dancer-in-a-Fisherman-s-Costume_Poster_CompositorV1_1791346828441.jpg?v=1791348628"},{"product_id":"bamboo-fence-and-chrysanthemums-kono-bairei","title":"Bamboo Fence and Chrysanthemums - Kono Bairei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA delicate kacho-ga study by Kono Bairei, featuring a bamboo fence, flowering plants, and a dragonfly rendered in ink and soft colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKono Bairei, a master of the Kyoto school of painting, produced this work during the late nineteenth century. The composition features a bamboo fence, rendered with minimal, precise brushwork, serving as a backdrop for a cluster of flowering plants. The artist employs the kacho-ga tradition, which focuses on the observation of birds and flowers within their natural environment. A dragonfly, captured in mid-flight, adds a sense of movement to the quiet scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palette remains restrained, relying on muted earth tones and soft washes of colour to define the foliage and the weathered texture of the bamboo. Bairei demonstrates his technical control through the variation in line weight, moving from the thin, structural lines of the fence to the softer, more organic shapes of the petals and leaves. The inclusion of calligraphy and a red seal provides a formal balance to the visual elements, typical of the period's aesthetic standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis print reflects the artist's focus on the observation of nature, a characteristic of his teaching and his published albums of bird and flower studies. The composition avoids unnecessary clutter, allowing the viewer to focus on the interaction between the flora and the insect. The paper tone, aged to a warm beige, provides a neutral ground that unifies the disparate elements of the image. This work functions as a study of seasonal change and the quietude of a garden setting, presented with the technical precision expected of a practitioner of the Meiji era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/the-actor-segawa-kikunojo-ii-as-the-courtesan-umegae-suzuki-harunobu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as the Courtesan Umegae - Suzuki Harunobu — Suzuki Harunobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/fr\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kōno Bairei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59072916848975,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59073182761295,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59073182794063,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59073182826831,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59073182859599,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59073182892367,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59073182925135,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59073182957903,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59073182990671,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59073183023439,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59073183056207,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59073183088975,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Bamboo-Fence-and-Chrysanthemums_Poster_CompositorV1_1791527250278.jpg?v=1791527754"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/fr\/collections\/kono-bairei.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}