Koson 小原古邨 : Cat, Mouse and Lantern (SOLD)

Artist: Ohara Koson (1877-1945)
Title: Cat, Mouse and Lantern

Date: ca. 1930

Koson tries his hand at storytelling, in a dramatic scene reminiscent of a famous Kiyochika design. We see a fluffy tabby pouncing on a fleeing mouse, and wonder if the animal will manage to escape . Adding to the drama is a lantern knocked dangerously on its side, with modern matches spilled beneath and a hole that was seemingly chewed by the mouse. Beautifully printed by the peerless workshop of Kawaguchi, the hairs on the cat are crisp, while the background features the rich textures of the baren-sujizuri technique. Works published by this publisher (Kawaguchi) bear the signature of “Hoson”. With the carver and printer’s seals in blue in the left margin. Scarce.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint..
Dimensions: 38 x 27.2 cm
Literature: “Crows, Cranes & Camellias”, number H41.1, page 203. See Smithsonian museum of the Robert Muller collection. Aya Kusch. Cats in Spring Rain: A Celebration of Feline Charm in Japanese Art and Haiku. San Francisco, CA, May 10, 2022. p. 60.

Seal: Kawaguchi
Signature: Hoson

SKU: KOS235