Ohara Koson, "Egrets and Crescent Moon"

In this rare and popular design, two egrets stand gracefully in shallow water surrounded by tall grass under a crescent moon. An exceptional work by Koson and masterfully printed with embossing and delicate detailing. Stamped with the rare "gift seal" by Watanabe published circa 1935.

Date: 1923
Size: Oban
Early, lifetime edition (gift seal, c. 1935)
Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
Condition: Excellent color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Ebony

Ohara Koson (Shoson) (1877-1945) was the master of kacho-e (prints of birds and flowers) during the shin-hanga period of woodblock prints in Japan. Trained as a painter, Koson's work exquisitely captured the raw beauty of nature and many of his bird prints are iconic in Japanese design.