KOSON -- "Carp Leaping Up a Waterfall" (#5)

(Click HERE for additional image)
(Click HERE for additional image)
Artist KOSON (Shoson OHARA)
(1877-1945)
Title "Carp Leaping Up a Waterfall"
(given name)
Date 1935 (Undated, but published in 1935 per Blair--old.)
Provenance Obtained directly from Robert O. Muller's Collection prior to his death (via dealer contact).
Series na
Publisher Watanabe Shozaburo
Seal, Carver/Printer No marginal data (Blair).
Image Size 9 3/8 x 10 3/4 ("shikishiban")
Impression Very Fine. Superbly executed "bokashi" shading; light "gauffrage" (embossing) to carp and falling water; crisp lines, highly detailed. (Natural paper fiber upper/left margin.)
Condition Excellent. Excellent colors. Full, original margins.
(A couple tiny spots--otherwise flawless.)
Reference/Illus Blair's 1936 "Toledo Exhibition" pl. #204; "Crow, Cranes, and Camellias" #S39.4 and cat #170, pg 162.
Comments Dramatic--one of Koson's finest images. VERY rare (only copy we've ever encountered)--and nearly flawless. In Japanese folklore, the carp is a symbol of perseverance. Not often seen.
Item # GG-227
Price $1450