{"product_id":"the-taoist-immortal-kung-ho-riding-a-crane-okumura-masanobu","title":"The Taoist Immortal Kung Ho Riding a Crane - Okumura Masanobu","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu, depicting a Taoist immortal in flight upon a crane, rendered with elegant calligraphic lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu depicts a Taoist immortal, identified as Kung Ho, in mid-flight atop a crane. The figure is rendered with calligraphic precision, his robes flowing in a manner that suggests movement through the air. He holds a large scroll, a common attribute for scholars and sages in East Asian iconography, which draws the eye across the upper portion of the composition. The crane, a symbol of longevity and wisdom, is depicted with careful attention to the texture of its feathers and the curve of its neck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOkumura Masanobu was a significant figure in the development of the Ukiyo-e genre. He is credited with several technical innovations, including the use of the pillar print format and the introduction of lacquer-like black ink in his prints. This work displays the characteristic hand-applied colour typical of the period before the widespread adoption of full-colour printing. The palette is restrained, relying on earthy ochres and muted tones to complement the bold black outlines of the woodblock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is balanced, with the weight of the immortal and the scroll offset by the downward gaze of the crane. Below them, a simplified representation of water and rock provides a grounding element to the scene. The print reflects the cultural interest in Taoist mythology and the aesthetic values of the Edo period, where such figures were popular subjects for both artistic study and spiritual contemplation. The clarity of the line work and the economy of the design demonstrate the artist's mastery of the medium, providing a clear view of the subject without unnecessary ornamentation. This piece is a representative example of mid-eighteenth-century Japanese printmaking, capturing a moment of mythical travel with poise and technical control.\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\/hotoke-gozen-dancing-before-taira-no-kiyomori-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;\"\u003eHotoke Gozen Dancing before Taira no Kiyomori by Suzuki Harunobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-nz\/products\/asazuma-boat-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;\"\u003eAsazuma Boat by Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-nz\/collections\/okumura-masanobu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2a555a;border:1px solid #2a555a;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#ffffff;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eOkumura Masanobu artwork →\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Okumura Masanobu","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59462353322319,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59462353387855,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59462353486159,"sku":null,"price":290.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59462353518927,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59462353584463,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Taoist-Immortal-Kung-Ho-Riding-a-Crane_Poster_CompositorV1_1792126339706.jpg?v=1794359960","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/en-nz\/products\/the-taoist-immortal-kung-ho-riding-a-crane-okumura-masanobu","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}