Ohara Koson (1877–1945), Monkey (macaque) on a willow branch, 1900. Colour woodblock print, 23.8 X 25 cm. EA1989.177 © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.

A melancholy monkey is skillfully captured in this wonderful colour woodblock print by Japanese artist Ohara Koson.

Born in Kanazawa in 1877, Koson was a master of kachō-ga (bird and flower pictures) but also created numerous works of other animals during a prolific career. Using ukiyo-e woodblock printing techniques, his works are characterised by their delicate, subtle colours.