Artist: Keinen Imao (1845-1924). Title: "The Blackbird Silent Perch in Winter" Publisher: Nishimura. Series: Kacho Gafu – Winter Volume. Size: (14.1/2x9.1/2). Medium: Woodblock. Paper Type: Washi. Place of Origin: Japan. Date: 1884, Historical Significance, produced during Japan’s Meiji period. Description: The print shows a blackbird perched confidently on a slender branch, its body angled forward as if listening to the quiet around it. The bird’s plumage is a deep, velvety black, broken by crisp white markings on the wings and tail. Its bright orange beak and legs stand out sharply, giving the composition a vivid focal point. The branch it rests on is dotted with green, feathery leaves and hanging seed pods—small, almond shaped forms that add texture and rhythm to the scene. Everything is set against a soft beige background, which keeps the focus entirely on the bird and the delicate structure of the tree. The overall feeling is calm, observant, and slightly austere, as if capturing a moment of stillness in the cold season.

Please examine the pictures carefully, as this print may show noticeable stains, marks, and toning due to its age.