Koson 小原古邨 : Little Egret with Outstretched Wings on a Willow Branch 小鷺 (Oversized First edition) (SOLD)

Artist: Ohara Kōson (1877-1945)
Title: Little Egret with Outstretched WIngs on a Willow Branch 小鷺 (First edition)
Date: ca. 1905

Oversized view of a white egret, wings outstretched as it focuses on a splashing movement below, about to pounce on an unseen fish. Koson has effectively communicated the intensity of the bird’s gaze as well as the stretch of its wings. Sumptuously printed, this is a perfect example of Koson’s “printed paintings”, as the printers have captured the painterly effects that this artist is known for. This work is from circa 1905; unlike many of Koson’s smaller works, these oversize works were never reprinted in the 1930s. This work has never been framed and is in unusually fine condition for a work of this size that is from early in Koson’s career. Scarce, especially in this condition.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint
Dimensions: Nagaban 49.5 x 21.8 cm
Literature: Crows, Cranes and Camellias (2010), K 14.16 and catalog number 130, page 193. Printed to Perfection: Twentieth-century Japanese Prints from the Robert O. Muller Collection (2004), Smithsonian Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, number 24, page 51. See Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.
Seal: Koson
Signature: Koson

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon

SKU: KSC107T