Lion and Peonies - Okumura Masanobu

A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu, featuring a mythical shishi lion beneath a blooming peony bush.

This woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu depicts a shishi, or mythical lion, positioned beneath a flowering peony bush. Masanobu was a significant figure in the development of Ukiyo-e, known for his technical innovations in print production during the mid-Edo period. The composition follows the traditional pairing of the lion and the peony, a motif derived from Chinese art that symbolises power and nobility. The artist employs a distinct linear style to define the form of the creature. The fur is rendered through rhythmic, swirling lines that suggest movement and texture. The peonies above are depicted with a more delicate touch, using soft colour washes that contrast with the bold, dark ink used for the lion. The print exhibits the characteristic aesthetic of early eighteenth-century Japanese graphic art, where the focus remains on clear outlines and a balanced arrangement of subject matter within the vertical frame. Masanobu was instrumental in the transition from simple black-and-white prints to the introduction of colour. This work demonstrates the early application of hand-applied pigments, which add a subtle warmth to the paper. The paper itself retains a natural, aged tone, which complements the muted palette of ochre, pale pink, and deep black. The work reflects the artist's ability to synthesise classical themes with the graphic sensibilities of the Ukiyo-e school. By focusing on the interplay between the organic forms of the flowers and the stylised, almost decorative representation of the lion, Masanobu creates a balanced visual narrative. This print is a representative example of the period's interest in combining mythological subjects with botanical elements, providing a clear view into the artistic priorities of the time.