KOSON -- "Two Bats Against a Full Moon"

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Artist Koson (Shoson OHARA)
(1877-1945)
Title "Two Bats Against a Full Moon"
(given name)
Date c1910-23
Provenance Obtained from Robert O. Muller's Collection following his death (via dealer contact).
Series na
Publisher Daikoku-ya (Tokyo publisher, 1818-1923)
Seal, Carver/Printer na
Image Size 7 1/8 x 13 3/8
Impression Very Fine. Skillfully executed "bokashi" shading; light "gauffrage" to outline of moon, bats, and tree; woodgrain visible in background sky; highly detailed carving, crisp lines. (Tiny "Made in Japan" stamped verso bottom.)
Condition Excellent. Clean front and verso.
(Light toning; a couple tiny scattered marks; very slight wear--an uncirculated print.)
Reference/Illus "Crow, Cranes, and Camellias" pl. #k41.3 and cat #135 (pg 138).
Comments Striking image of two bats seen flying beneath a willow tree, silhoutted against a full moon. A VERY RARE print. Likely PRE-1923 earthquake (note: Daikoku-ya Publisher ceased business in 1923). (Confirmed to be Muller's ONLY/final available copy.)
Item # DG-663
Price $1850