Koson 古邨: Myna Bird on a Magnolia Branch (Oversized) (Sold)

Artist: Ohara Koson 小原古邨  (1877-1945)
Title: Myna Bird on a Blooming Magnolia
Date: ca. 1910s

A hill myna bird (Gracula religiosa) looks intently to the right, its yellow face markings set off by its black plumage. It is perched on a blooming magnolia branch, its blossoms in various states of flower, from bud to full bloom. This is considered one of the most beautiful designs of these oversized works from this early publisher of Koson’s work. Koson also published very few designs featuring myna birds.  

This work is from circa 1910 or so; unlike many of Koson’s smaller works, these oversize works were never reprinted in the 1930s.  Scarce, especially in this condition.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. 
Dimensions: Nagaban 50 x 22 cm
Literature: Crows, Cranes and Camellias (2010), K 36.2 and catalog number 20. Not found in any museum collections via internet search.
Seal: Koson Signature: Koson  Publisher: Akiyama Buemon (Kokkeido)

SKU: KOS243