Under the name Koson made Russo-Japanese War prints in 1904, and many small kacho prints designed by Matsuki Heikichi of Daikokiya for export. In 1912 he changed his name to Shoson and dedicated himself to paintings. In 1926 he resumed kacho hanga production. Hundreds of his prints were exported to America.
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Two Carp and White Lotus. 1933. Shikishiban: 10 14/16 x 9 7/8 (sheet 10 10/16 x 9 11/16). Signed and sealed Shoson. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, S39.5, p. 201. A fine impression with subtle shading and glowing colors, in pristine condition. $650.
White Fronted Geese Flying above Reeds and Water. c. 1933. Shikishiban: 10 10/16 x 9 1/16 (sheet 10 14/16 x 9 12/16). Signed and sealed Shoson. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, S11.6, p. 197. A fine impression with subtle shading and gauffrage (embossing) in the 2 large BIRDS'' feathers. Based on the body markings, these actually appear to be mallard ducks not geese. Pristine color and condition. $500.
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February -- Orchid. (Nigatsu - Ranjo no saku). 1956. Woodcut with hand-applied color. 17 x 13 (sheet 18 1/4 x 21 1/2). Series: Calender in the Mood of the Tea Ceremony. Signed in pencil "Munakata" and sealed in red Hogan Muna Siko -- sumizuri-e. On the full sheet with deckle edges. $7,500.
A woodcut calender of twleve images was made for the Urasenke tea ceremony school, which reproduced one image each month in its magazine Tanko. Most of the months, including February, are represented by examples from nature traditionally associated with the season. Illustrated: Sori Yangai, The Woodblock and the Artist. The Life and Works of Shiko Munakata. Image: 15 3/8 x 7 7/8 (sheet 17 3/4 x 11). Series: Complete Works of Chikamatsu. Publisher: Nishima. Printed in tones of grey and beige. A sensitive study of a young woman. $950.
Restaurant Selling Sweet Rice Dumplings. c. 1820. 15 x 10 1/4 (sheet 15 5/8 x 10 5/8). Good condition and color. Some surface soiling. 1 wormage area above the right foot. $750.
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The Actor Otani Hiroyemon II. c. 1780. Hosoban: 12 5/16 x 5 7/8. Signed "Shunshô ga." Good color and condition; imperfect color in the ground. $1,750
Date: 1852.
Publisher: Tsujioka Bunsuke.
Size: vertical oban.
This is considered Kunisada's best series of actor bust portraits.
For images, click on Tokaido.
Futakawa Good color, impression and condition. $300
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The Flight Into Egypt. 1969. Color dye stencil (Kappazuri). 27 x 24. Edition 50, #35. Printed on crumpled, hand-made paper on the full sheet with deckle edges. Signed and numbered in ink. Housed in a 35 1/2 x 30 3/4-inch gold leaf frame. $2,500.
Fragment. 2001. Etching, aquatint and mezzotint. 11 1/2 x 10 3/4 (sheet 20 1/2 x 15). Edition 30, #7. A fine impression printed on the full sheet with deckle edges. Presenttion print to celebrate the one year reunion of the 25th anniversary of the Fumin Fukyu. Original presentation folder. Signed, dated, titled and numbered in pencil. $300.
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