Ashmolean Museum Oxford
This single greeting card depicts a painting of two birds perched on the branch of what appears to be a Japanese maple tree, rendered in ink and colour on silk, by Morikawa Sobun from his album of poetry, wildlife, and Kyoto scenes.
Japanese painter Morikawa Sobun (1847-1902) was born to a Kyoto merchant family. A part of the second generation after the establishment of the Kyoto Prefecture Painting School, where he was later appointed an instructor in 1888. Working well into Meiji period of Japan, Sobun's own style owed much to the traditional Shijō manner of his formal training. This conservative trait - in addition to other factors like his late start in life to painting - led him to be criticised by his contemporaries. Such as Kōno Bairei, who said he may have been better off pursuing a career in making designs for dyed fabrics.
Although his work is little known today, his popularity among the people of Kyoto was high. A prominent artist who participated in many art expositions of the time, and winner of awards for his captivating landscapes and paintings of deer. The latter of which he exhibited in both the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and the Paris Expo of 1898.
Credit: Morikawa Sobun (1847–1902) Birds on a Branch from an album of poetry, wildlife, and Kyoto scenes Ink and colour on silk EA1973.128 © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.
All Ashmolean branded cards are made from paper sourced from sustainable forests.
Buy 3 packs for £7.50. Mix and match offer available on all Ashmolean branded greeting cards, subject to availability.
Materials: FSC certified paper
Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5cm
Shipping to United States of America is currently suspended for the foreseeable future.
The de minimus exemption for orders under $800 going to USA ended on Friday 29 August 2025. Please bear with us while we update our systems to accommodate the new tariffs and duties.
Christmas Delivery Dates
Please be aware that during busy periods, such as Christmas, it may take us longer than normal to respond to enquiries and to dispatch orders.
We recommend placing your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment. These are the recommended last dates for placing your order:
UK delivery – midnight Wednesday 17 December 2025
International delivery – midnight Wednesday 10 December 2025 (delivery times may be affected by customs clearance)
There will be reduced staffing over the Christmas holidays, so any online orders placed after midday Monday 22 December will be dispatched after 5 January 2026.
Our Pickup service is a convenient way for you to order online and collect your purchase in person at the Museum. Simply select the Pickup option at checkout.
The Online Shop team operates between Monday-Friday 10:00-16:00, so please allow time for us to prepare your order for collection or delivery, particularly at busy times of the year. We aim to have your order ready for collection/delivery within 72 hours.
The Museum will be closed on 24, 25, 26 December 2025, and 1 January 2026.
UK 1st Class: delivery 2-5 business days from dispatch
Europe: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Rest of World: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Please be aware that orders to International addresses may be subject to local customs duty or taxes. You will need to pay any additional charges for customs clearance, charges include local VAT and duty based on the value and origin of the product.
There is 5kg weight restriction for UK orders, and a 2kg weight restriction for International orders. If your order exceeds this weight, please contact the Online Shop team so that we can organise a quote for special delivery: onlineshop@ashmus.ox.ac.uk
Further information on our delivery options and returns policy can be found in Shipping & Returns.
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