Watanabe Seitei (1851-1918)
A chestnut-eared bunting (Emberiza fucata) sitting on an old willow tree with the first buds.
Publisher: Hasegawa/Nishinomiya, Tokyo
Date: ca. 1900-1920
Size: Horizontal Chûban, 21.5 x 28 cm (overall)
Fine impression and nice colours, full margins. Verso in top margin paper a little bit thinner. Minimal creasing. Overall very good condition.
From a seldom seen series of 12 charming Kachô-e (bird and flower pictures) by the artist, which was published by Hasegawa Takejirô (also known for his illustrated crepe paper books) from about 1900. In a Hasegawa catalogue from c. 1920 the print likely can be identified with the number 1231, titled " A Bird on Willow Sprouts ". For unknown reasons this copy bears no signature. Later editions usually carry the publisher seal of Nishinomiya Yosaku, who took over the publishing house from his father.
sold