A Long-Tailed Fowl (Onagadori), from the series Twelve Assorted Birds - Chōbunsai Eishi

A refined ukiyo-e woodblock print by Chōbunsai Eishi, depicting women and a child observing a long-tailed fowl from a veranda.

This woodblock print by Chōbunsai Eishi belongs to the series Twelve Assorted Birds, or Shochō jūnikin. Eishi, a former painter in the service of the Tokugawa shogunate, transitioned to the ukiyo-e genre during the late eighteenth century. His work is recognised for its refined aesthetic, often featuring elongated figures and a sense of poise that distinguishes his style from the more robust depictions of his contemporaries.

The composition presents a domestic scene set upon a veranda. Three women and a child observe a long-tailed fowl, or onagadori, in flight above. The figures are rendered with the characteristic grace associated with Eishi, their kimonos decorated with subtle patterns that demonstrate the technical precision of the woodblock medium. The architectural elements of the veranda provide a structured frame for the figures, while the distant, simplified outline of a mountain suggests a wider environment beyond the immediate setting.

The print employs a balanced palette, relying on soft tones that allow the viewer to focus on the interaction between the figures and the bird. The inclusion of the bird serves as a thematic link to the series title, integrating natural motifs into the everyday lives of the subjects. Eishi uses line work to define the folds of the garments and the expressions of the individuals, maintaining a sense of calm throughout the image. This piece offers a view into the artistic conventions of the Edo period, where the depiction of beauty and daily life was elevated through careful composition and printmaking skill. The work remains a clear example of the artist's ability to combine narrative elements with a sophisticated visual language, typical of the high period of ukiyo-e production.