KOSON -- "Egret on a Snowy Branch" (#9)
("trial print")

(Click HERE for additional image)
(Click HERE for additional image)
Title "Egret on a Snowy Branch"
(given name)
Date ca1910-23 (Believed to be pre-earthquake.)
Provenance Obtained via a discriminating dealer/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 (beak/leg areas only); crisp lines; on a striking "jet-black"
background.
Condition Nearly Excellent.
Strong colors.
Clean backside; full, original margins. (Light soiling top margin; light wear--otherwise flawless.)
Reference/Illus "Crows, Cranes, and Camellias" pl. #156, pg 152, and book's front cover.
Comments A RARE "trial print" by publisher--hence, lacks "gauffrage"; most "bokashi" shading, and Koson's "red seal." "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."
Item # PA-35
Price $2450