Ohara Koson (1877-1945)
A majestic wild boar with long tusks resting in the snow at the edge of the forest on a beautiful winter morning. His vigilant eye is directed at the viewer.
Signature and seal: Koson
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi (Daikokuya), Tokyo
Date: c. 1910
Original Japanese woodblock print. Size: Vertical Ôtanzaku (Mitsugiriban) 36,5 x 19,3 cm (overall)
Excellent early impression and colours. With relief printing. Untrimmed, retains the unprinted paper margin in top. Very faintly wavy in bottom margin, upper left corner minimally bevelled, otherwise excellent fresh condition.
Ill. Reigle Newland/Perrée/Schaap, Crows, Cranes and Camellias, The natural world of Ohara Koson 1877-1945, Leiden/Boston 2010, p. 201, K41.30. Cf. also Japanische Kleinkunst, Elberfeld, n.d. (c. 1900), SLUB Dresden, Sig. 92054306 (without seal).
A beautiful and extremely rare image of a wild boar (one of the twelve Japanese zodiac animals), being unique for Koson. Remarkably fine drawing, excellent work of carver and printer.
sold