Koson 小原古邨 : Rabbits and Moon 月に兎 (SOLD)

Artist: Ohara Koson (1877-1945)
Title: Rabbits with Bushclover and Moon 月に兎
Date: ca. 1930

Two white rabbits pose beneath a huge yellow moon, flowering bush clover and long grasses pictured behind them.  Their white fur features prominent blind embossing, karazuri. There are many associations in Japanese folklore with rabbits and the moon, and it is a theme found irresistible by generations of Japanese artists. A beautifully printed and early impression. With the earliest Watanabe seal for this design (in use 1930-42) and the “Made in Japan” seal verso, that was affixed to works designed for export from Japan in the late 1920s and early 1930s. This work has never been exposed to light and has prominent woodgrain in the sky, indicating an early impression. Works that were printed with the publisher Watanabe by this artist are signed “Shoson”, as here. A rather seldom seen design, especially in this exceptional condition.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint.
Dimensions: 38.4 x 25.4 cm
Literature: Amy Newland et. al., Crows, Cranes & Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson 1877-1945, 2001, p. 202, cat. no. S41.7.
Seal: Shoson
Signature: Shoson [signature of Koson with Watanabe-published works]

SKU: KOS234