{"product_id":"bird-and-peony-matsuki-heikichi","title":"Bird and Peony - Matsuki Heikichi","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined woodblock print depicting a bird perched near a blooming peony, executed in the traditional Japanese kacho-ga style with a muted, atmospheric palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Matsuki Heikichi belongs to the kacho-ga tradition, a genre focused on birds and flowers. The composition features a single bird perched upon a slender branch, positioned near a large, blooming peony. The artist employs a restrained palette, allowing the soft cream tones of the flower petals to contrast against the muted, atmospheric grey background. This choice of colour creates a sense of stillness and quiet observation, characteristic of the period's aesthetic sensibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatsuki Heikichi was a significant figure in the production of Japanese prints during the early twentieth century. Operating as a publisher and artist, he contributed to the revival of traditional woodblock techniques while incorporating subtle influences from Western art. The print demonstrates a high level of technical precision, particularly in the delicate rendering of the bird's plumage and the soft, layered texture of the peony petals. The inclusion of a single falling petal adds a narrative element, suggesting the fleeting nature of the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is balanced, with the verticality of the branch providing a counterpoint to the rounded, voluminous form of the peony. The background is treated with a subtle gradient, which provides depth without relying on traditional perspective. This approach reflects the influence of earlier ukiyo-e masters while maintaining a distinct, modern clarity. The work is printed on high-quality paper, capturing the nuances of the original woodblock carving. It serves as an example of the refined craftsmanship associated with the Shin-hanga movement, which sought to modernise traditional printmaking through collaboration between artists, carvers, and printers.\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=\"\/en-nz\/products\/morning-at-nijubashi-bridge-hasui-kawase\" 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;\"\u003eMorning at Nijubashi Bridge - Hasui Kawase — Hasui Kawase\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-nz\/products\/starlings-and-cherry-tree-ohara-koson\" 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;\"\u003eStarlings and Cherry Tree - Ohara Koson — Ohara Koson\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matsuki Heikichi","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58472805695823,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58472805761359,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58472805859663,"sku":null,"price":290.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58472805892431,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58472805957967,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Bird-and-Peony_Poster_CompositorV1_1786297685591.jpg?v=1786675567","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/en-nz\/products\/bird-and-peony-matsuki-heikichi","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}