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 - Handsome image of a man harvesting a bird's nest, using a long pole to reach into the upper branches of a tree. The figure is silhouetted in black, while the tree is rendered with bold calligraphic strokes and the background is shaded in gray. A lyrical image, beautifully suited to the tall chu-tanzaku format.

Signed - Koson, with red artist's seal "Koson"
Publisher - Kokkeido

Artist - Ohara Shoson (1877 - 1945)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 4 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. A couple creases at side and small spots. Please see photos for details.