ITO Sozan -- "Fireflies and Reeds"

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(Click HERE for additional image)
Artist ITO, Sozan (1884-??)
Title "Fireflies and Reeds"
(given name by Watanabe)
Date Early 1920's.
Series na
Publisher Watanabe Shozaburo
Seal, Carver/Printer na
Image Size 6 1/4 x 14 5/8
Impression Very Fine. Skillfully executed "bokashi" shading to background sky and water; "burnishing" to fireflie's bodies; nicely detailed carving. (Tiny "Made in Japan" stamped verso.)
Condition Nearly Excellent. Strong colors; clean backside. (Light toning; bent lower/left corner tip; very slight wear.)
Reference/Illus 1936 Watanabe Catalogue #233.
Comments A delightful nightime image--not often seen. Sozan designed prints for Watanabe from 1919 until 1926, with Watanabe's 1936 catalogue containing 28 prints by Sozan.
Item # BG-913
Price $550 (Sold)