Koushisei's Print Selections - Tsuchiya Rakusan designed his lovely, oban format "Koushisei's Print Selections" (Koushisei Gasen) series in the mid-1930s, with the first edition published from 1934 to 1935. This self-published series proved popular, so Rakusan continued printing some designs until his studio closed around 1940 - 1941 because of World War II. After reopening his studio after the war, he released additional prints of a few of the woodblocks between 1948 - 1955.

Comprised of thirty-six prints, this attractive series features beautifully drawn birds, flowers, and fish in their natural habitats. These complex designs required the greatest skill of carvers and printers to translate Rakusan's vision into woodblock format. Today, collectors prize Rakusan's beautiful designs for their striking compositions, attractive color, and delicate detail. Each print is mounted along the top edge to a presentation sheet as originally issued.

Artist - Rakusan Tsuchiya (1896 - 1976)

Image Size - 9 1/8" x 14 1/4" + margins as shown; backing sheet 12 3/4" x 17 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Mounted along top edge to original presentation sheet. A few small ink marks. Please see photos for details.