Ohara Shoson - Known primarily for his kacho-e (bird and flower subjects), Shoson produced a number of nature prints in the early 20th century. Early in his life, he studied painting at the Shijo School under the artist Susuki Kason. When Watanabe reopened after the devastating 1923 earthquake, he recruited Japan’s premiere shin-hanga artists to help rebuild the woodblock print business, including Ohara Shoson. Watanabe began publishing Shoson’s prints in 1926. Shoson’s work became quite popular with the Western market, especially in the United States. During his lifetime, Shoson used several different "go" or artist names, including Shoson, Koson, and Hoson. His lovely shin-hanga kacho-e are widely regarded as the best of the genre.

Comments - Spectacular shin hanga image of a crow perched on the snowy branch of a willow tree, its beak open as it calls. The lower feathers on the bird's back are printed with a mixture of glue and ink to create a subtle iridescence like real feathers. Beautifully shaded with strong use of the wood grain to add detail to the wintry gray sky. A masterwork of shin hanga kacho-e. This image appears on the cover of the "Shin-hanga: New Prints in Modern Japan" catalog from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Notation in pencil on reverse reads "Dr. Muller." A great choice for a shin hanga enthusiast.

Signature - Koson, with red artist's seal "Koson"
Publisher - Daikokuya (Matsuki Heikichi)

Artist - Ohara Shoson (1877 - 1945)

Image Size - 7 1/4" x 13 1/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some light toning. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.