KOSON -- "Egret on a Snowy Branch" (#12)

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Title "Egret on a Snowy Branch"
(given name)
Date ca1910-23
(Believed pre-Earthquake.)
Provenance Consigned via a NW print collector.
Series na
Publisher Watanabe Shozaburo
Seal, Carver/Printer (Publisher's seals never appear on these early "tanzanku" format prints.)
Image Size 6 3/8 x 14 1/4 ("tanzaku")
Impression Very Fine. Superbly executed "bokashi" shading; deep "gauffrage" (embossing) to snow accumulation and feathers; crisp lines; on a striking "jet-black" background.
Condition Very Good++. Strong colors.
(Moderate toning backside, lighter to front; trimmed to image edges; slight wear.)
Reference/Illus "Crows, Cranes, and Camellias" pl. #156, pg 152, and book's front cover.
Comments Unquestionably Koson's finest "kacho-e" image. Quoting: "Richard Illing describes the print as 'a masterpiece of graphic art'.... one of the most highly valued designs by Koson." Rarely available--pleasingly age-toned.
Item # FM-01
Price $2900 (Sold/TC)